Wike And Atiku Absent At PDP NEC Meeting Highlighting Internal Strife And National Concerns.
In a pivotal gathering of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja yesterday underscored both the party’s internal divisions and its resolve to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The absence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike from the meeting signalled ongoing tensions within the party, as the NEC navigated critical issues while deferring contentious decisions to a future date.
The NEC, chaired by Acting National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum, issued a 10-point communiqué outlining key resolutions. Among them, the party ratified the composition of the Committee on the Zoning of National Offices, chaired by Governor Douye Diri, with Governors Dauda Lawal and Caleb Mutfwang as vice-chairman and secretary, respectively. Additionally, the National Convention Committee was established, led by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, with Governors Ademola Adeleke and Peter Mbah as vice-chairman and secretary.
However, the meeting sidestepped thorny issues, such as the contentious national secretary position, previously held by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who temporarily stepped down to contest the Imo State governorship election. The NEC deferred action on this matter to its 100th meeting, scheduled for 30 June 2025, to avoid derailing ongoing reconciliation efforts led by Abubakar Bukola Saraki’s “Way Forward Committee.”
The NEC’s decision to proceed with the meeting, despite recommendations to postpone, was framed as a demonstration of unity and resilience. Damagum emphasised that the gathering countered critics’ claims of disarray within the PDP, with another meeting planned to address unresolved issues.
PDP Slams Tinubu Administration
The NEC used the platform to voice grave concerns about Nigeria’s state under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s APC administration. The communiqué condemned the government’s handling of insecurity, economic hardship, and alleged attempts to suppress opposition. It highlighted “wanton killings, banditry, kidnapping, and marauding of communities” as evidence of Tinubu’s “negligence” in ensuring national security. The PDP also decried economic policies, such as fuel price hikes and increased electricity tariffs, which it said have led to business closures, job losses, and widespread poverty.
The NEC accused the APC of orchestrating a “sinister plot” to establish a one-party state by intimidating opposition figures and institutions. It vowed to resist these efforts, citing the APC’s “mortal fear” of defeat in the 2027 elections due to its governance failures.
Governors Rally Against Intimidation
The PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, accused the federal government of employing intimidation tactics to weaken opposition. Speaking at the meeting, Mohammed stressed the party’s unity and resilience, noting that PDP governors remain steadfast despite “subtle provocations” and political pressures. He cited recent state-level meetings in Plateau, Taraba, Oyo, Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Bauchi as evidence of the party’s active engagement and commitment to good governance.
Mohammed described the NEC meeting as a “triumph of democracy” and announced plans for subcommittees to bolster the party’s impact ahead of future elections.
Lamido’s Call for Wike’s Expulsion
In a fiery intervention, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido demanded the immediate expulsion of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, branding him a “political disaster” and an “enemy within.” In an interview with select media, Lamido accused Wike of undermining the PDP’s values, particularly citing his decision to seal the party’s national secretariat over alleged non-payment of ground rent. “To seal the PDP secretariat, an institution that gave you life, is un-African and a total abuse of power,” Lamido said, questioning the National Working Committee’s inaction.
Lamido also criticised former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom for endorsing Labour Party’s Peter Obi, calling for decisive action against disloyal members. He warned that the weakening of opposition parties through state-sponsored sabotage, including alleged blackmail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), threatens Nigeria’s democracy.
Tinubu’s Intervention Lauded
PDP chieftain Dele Momodu praised President Tinubu for intervening to halt Wike’s “excesses,” particularly his sealing of the PDP secretariat and other organisations’ premises. In a post on X, Momodu remarked, “We used to think we have two Presidents in Nigeria, Tinubu and Wike. Now, we know Wike has a boss who can checkmate his excesses.” He urged Tinubu to further curb Wike’s influence, particularly in Rivers State, where his actions have been seen as disruptive.
A Call for Reconciliation
The PDP Board of Trustees chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, called for genuine reconciliation within the party, urging leaders to prioritise unity over personal ambitions. “Divisions, mistrust, and lingering grievances have at times hampered our progress,” Wabara said. “We must open our hearts to forgive, to dialogue, and to debate.”
As the PDP grapples with internal challenges and prepares for the 2027 elections, the NEC meeting underscored both its vulnerabilities and its determination to remain a formidable opposition force. With reconciliation efforts ongoing and a renewed focus on national issues, the party aims to restore faith among its members and the Nigerian public.
