PDP BoT blasts Damagum-led NWC over continued postponements of NEC meeting

By Folorunso Alagbede, Abuja

As crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues unabated, the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party has lashed out at the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party for failing to convene the long overdue National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
The party at its 98th NEC meeting on April 18, it will be recalled, had announced that the next NEC will hold in August to enable the party fix modalities for the election of a substantive Chairman.
However, the 99th NEC slated to hold on August 15 was postponed to October 24, 2024, and then rescheduled to November 28, 2024, now first week of February, 2025.
White however reacting to the development yesterday, the Chairman of the BoT, Senator Adolphus Wabara, in his address at an emergency BoT meeting which held at the party’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, expressed anger over the continuous postponement of the meeting.
Wabara said, “It is with a deep sense of disappointment that I must express the Board’s dismay at the continued shifting by the National Working Committee (NWC) in convening a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. This delay not only undermines the trust and confidence of our members.
“We recognize that challenges may arise during governance and administration, but adherence to timelines and commitments is non-negotiable. “Inasmuch as the Board of Trustees serves as the conscience of the party, we expect that the NWC would honour its word and convene the NEC meeting as scheduled. This is critical for resolving pressing issues and charting a clear path forward for the party.
“Let us remember that our strength lies in our unity and adherence to democratic principles. The NEC serves as a vital platform for decision-making, consultation, and collaboration among all levels of the party’s leadership. “Further delays could exacerbate existing challenges and sow unnecessary discord within our ranks.
“As the BoT, we will not relent in our efforts to ensure accountability and adherence to the party’s constitution. “We urge the NWC to rise to the occasion, demonstrating leadership and responsibility by making sure that the time fixed next year February to convene the NEC meeting is adhered to”, he said.
The former Senate President said that the BoT must at all-time provide the needed direction for the party and ensure that all the organs of the party work must adhere to the party’s principles.
His words, “I welcome you all to this emergency meeting of the Board of Trustees. It is an honour to address this esteemed gathering, whose commitment to our party’s values and principles remains unwavering.
“Today, we convene under challenging self-inflicted circumstances, compelled by our collective and concern for the current state of our great party.
“As custodians of the People’s Democratic Party’s conscience and legacy, it is our responsibility to uphold the integrity of this institution and ensure that it continues to serve as a beacon of hope for our democracy and good governance for our dear nation” he said.
Wabara equally lamented over the harsh economic policies of the Tinubu Administration which, he said, has exacerbated the suffering of Nigerians, skyrocketing cost of living, adding that the poorly implemented economic reforms, has pushed millions into deeper poverty.
He said that Nigerians look unto the PDP to bring sucocur to the people.
His words, “Our party must rise to this occasion by offering credible alternatives and amplifying the voices of the suffering masses. Let us reaffirm our commitment to the values of fairness, equity, and prosperity for all Nigerians.
“Internally, we must put our house in order. I want to use this platform to call for unity among our PDP governors.
“The strength of our party lies in our collective resolve, not in individual pursuits.
“We cannot afford to let personal ambitions or differences overshadow our shared vision for a better Nigeria.
“The BoT will be relentless in seeking for peace and unity in our party as the conscience of PDP.
“To this end, the BoT will begin again to search for peace in the new year starting with former Governor Nyesom Wike who the BoT had promised to visit again to seek lasting peace”, he assured.