After its postponement for about six times over internal crisis, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has commenced its much-expected 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting amidst tight security with the Governors and other political heavyweights in attendance.
The NEC meeting is taking place at the presidential campaign office of the party in Abuja popularly called “Legacy House.”
The Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagum in his opening speech said the meeting will discuss three important issues while people behind the crisis will be weeded out.
He said, “We have postponed this NEC several times for many reasons. Even now, this would have been postponed but we insisted that it must hold. We are having this NEC so that other contending issues will be discussed.
“From now, we are thinking of having three NEC meetings before convention. The beauty of PDP is that we have always have mechanisms to solve our problems. People have been waiting to see if the problem that is self inflicted and engineered internally will been settled. But we will weed them out. This meeting will discuss three things as ratified by the NEC.”
Among the PDP leaders at the 99th NEC meeting include the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, representing Governor Peter Mbah; Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri; Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang and Governor of Bauchi State, who is also Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed.
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douyle Diri and his Taraba State counterpart, Agbu Kefas are being expected.
Also in attendance are Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal; former Governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki; PDP BoT member, Ben Obi; former National Vice Chairman (South), Olabode George; Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke and Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde.
Others include a former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Prof Jerry Gana; former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN); and former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Iyom Josephine Anenih.
Bala Mohammed: We Won’t Abandon Our Mandate
The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed said there is no intimidation that are not going through, saying, “But we are resolute and will not abandoned the mandate.”
Abba Moro: Mass Defections a temporary setback
The Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro said the defections will make the PDP stronger.
He said, “We in the National Assembly are in tandem with the leadership to revamp the PDP. We will continue to work hard towards ensuring that our party remains intact. We in the National Assembly believe that being the biggest brand, PDP is very strong. The defections will make us stronger. It’s a temporary setback. The APC wants to bring us down.
Kingsley Chinda: PDP Leaders Should Not Be Selfish
The Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, was optimistic that the crisis in PDP is a passing phase.
He said, “We are receiving the stones because PDP has good fruits. We are going to come out strong. The PDP is a training ground for other politicians in Nigeria. We are strong and resolute. It’s a passing phase. We need more of selflessness in our party and less of selfishness.”
The event was also attended by a former Governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Markafi; former national chairman of PDP, Uche Secondus; former Chief of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe; Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Ben Obi, Achike Udenwa, Philip Salawu,.
Prof Wale Oladipo, Chief Tom Ikimi, Taoheed Arapaja, Zainab Kure, Aminu Wali, Ibrahim Shekarau, Samuel Ortom and
Ude Okoye.
Friday Olokor
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