The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and governors elected on the party’s platform, Tuesday, vowed that they would not allow the gale of defections that recently hit the party to dampen their morale ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They also criticised some policies of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government, and boasted of their readiness to change the tide in 2027.
These were some of the highpoints of the 99th NEC meeting of the party held in Abuja.
The part had of recent witnessed internal crisis bordering on certain defined and undefined interests.
To nip the crisis in the bud, it set up a reconciliation committee headed by former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
However, the effort suffered a setback Sunday when the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, said he was pulling out of the peace deal, accusing Oyo state Governor Seyi Makinde of working against the peace process.
Also, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had at different forums, said he owes no one any apology for the gale of defection into the APC, adding that it’s not his responsibility to resolve the conflict within the opposition parties.
…Resolutions
And rising from the NEC meeting, the PDP urged the Tinubu administration to take practical steps to address the insecurity and economic recession in the country.
In a communiqué read by its Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, the main opposition party also cautioned the ruling party against turning the country into a one-party state.
At the NEC that was postponed a few times before today, were all the party organs, PDP state governors and other delegates.
While examining the state of the affairs of the nation, the NEC condemned the spate of banditry, kidnapping and related security challenges across the country.
“Furthermore, NEC stands in firm resistance to the sinister plot by the Tinubu’s-led APC to turn Nigeria into a one-party totalitarian state as evidenced in the desperate attempts to strip and annihilate opposition parties through open-stitch threats and intimidation of opposition figures and institutions of democracy in Nigeria,” it said.
“On the part of the PDP, NEC restates our party’s belief in democracy, the rule of law and the supremacy of the will of the people as expressed through their free and unhindered democratic participation into multi-party politics and governance.
“The successful convening of the 99th NEC meeting clearly communicates our party’s unity and focus despite challenges.
“NEC also received the resolution of the South-East General Executive with regard to the issue of the National Secretary, and to be considered and deliberate upon in the next NEC which is slated for June 30.)
“NEC reassures Nigerians that PDP remains strong resilient united and determined now more than ever before…,” it added.
…The governors
Similarly, the PDP governors also vowed to remain steadfast in their commitment to good governance.
Bauchi state Governor Bala Mohammed who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, addressed the gathering, highlighting the challenges faced by the party and its members.
According to him, the party had faced a wave of defections and coalition talks, which he said, impacted some of its members.
He said: “Despite these pressures, our members remain steadfast and unwavering. There is no form of intimidation or persuasion that we, as elected governors and members, have not encountered. Yet, we remain resolute in our commitment.”
Explaining how the PDP stands out from others, Mohammed said: “Other parties have been fragmented, with factions emerging here and there. But it is undeniable that we stand together as one.”
He also spoke on the party’s efforts to remain relevant, despite its current travails. “We have been conducting meetings across various states and issuing communiqués addressing critical governance issues. These efforts are aimed at maintaining our visibility and demonstrating that we are not yielding to the pressures around us.”
While commending the dedication of PDP leaders, Mohammed said: “This 99th NEC meeting represents a triumph of democracy and good governance over the adversities we are currently facing in our nation. We deeply appreciate the patience and dedication of our leaders, who have worked tirelessly to bring us to this point.”
Concluding, the governors said: “No amount of intimidation or exclusion by the federal government will deter us. We are ready to endure the challenges, the criticisms, and the hardships that come our way.”