The National Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has clarified that the appointment of the party’s national chairman will not be discussed at today’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for 2:00 p.m.

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Speaking to journalists, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, revealed that the issue of leadership was not on the agenda as it was not considered during their yesterday’s caucus meeting.

Ologunagba explained that while the matter could be tabled at a subsequent NEC meeting, the focus of today’s gathering would be on the issues brought forth by the National Working Committee (NWC).

He further stated that Umar Damagum would continue to serve in his acting capacity until the NEC meeting following today’s session, emphasizing the importance of allowing more consultations on the matter to ensure party unity.

Former Minister of Aviation and prominent PDP member, Osita Chidoka, has issued a stark warning ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Chidoka cautioned that any misstep during the meeting could spell disaster for the party.

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In a statement released on Wednesday, Chidoka directed his message to PDP governors and the National Assembly Caucus, emphasizing the critical importance of upholding the party’s constitution.

He stressed that any attempt to disregard the party’s constitutional principles could have catastrophic consequences, potentially leading to the downfall of the party.

The upcoming NEC meeting is set to address the issue of whether the current acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, should continue in his role or be replaced.

Damagum assumed the position following the suspension of Iyorchia Ayu by a court in Benue State in March 2023.

While some within the party advocate for electing a member from the North Central to complete Ayu’s tenure in accordance with the party’s constitution, others support Damagum’s candidacy for the substantive chairman position.

Chidoka expressed grave concern over the direction the party might take at the NEC meeting. He warned that failure to prioritize constitutional adherence and respect for the party’s rules could lead to dire consequences.

He also urged the party to refocus on providing good governance and principled opposition, essential for earning the trust of Nigerians.

Chidoka concluded by underlining the urgency of addressing the internal challenges within the party to safeguard its integrity and relevance in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.

As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prepares for its highly anticipated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting today, tensions run high amid uncertainty over the party’s direction and leadership.

The gathering is overshadowed by a power struggle among key stakeholders vying to influence the party’s trajectory ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Unlike previous contests primarily between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, the dynamics have shifted.

State governors, particularly those in their second terms, have emerged as a formidable bloc seeking to assert control.

Among the influential governors are those from Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo states, with some already serving their second term.

Their collective agenda appears focused on shaping the party’s future and positioning themselves for political dominance.

However, internal divisions and conflicting interests within the governor’s forum have hindered cohesive action, impeding their efforts to present a unified front.

Meanwhile, the ongoing feud between Atiku and Wike persists, with both camps maneuvering to consolidate power within the party.

Atiku’s loyalists advocate for key positions within the National Working Committee (NWC) to bolster his influence, while Wike maintains control over the current leadership, viewed as loyalists.

The recent vote of confidence passed by the NWC on the acting chairman, Umar Damagum, underscores the tug-of-war within the party.

Atiku’s camp pushes for a new chairman to spearhead party reorganization, while Wike’s faction seeks to maintain the status quo.

The North Central Caucus, in a bid to assert its influence, insists on producing the next national chairman, citing constitutional provisions. The region’s determination to uphold party rules challenges attempts to prolong Damagum’s tenure.

Former chairman Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s withdrawal of his appeal suit against the party clears the path for decisive action on the chairmanship position. Stakeholders in the North Central now rally behind Gabriel Suswam as Ayu’s potential successor.

Amidst these internal power struggles, the PDP’s NEC meeting holds significant implications for the party’s cohesion and electoral prospects.

The outcome will shape its trajectory and determine its ability to present a united front ahead of the upcoming elections.

In a notable gathering of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike are present, sparking interest due to their history of rivalry within the party.

The meeting, which took place at Bauchi Governors’ lodge behind the ECOWAS secretariat in Asokoro, saw Atiku, Wike, and former Vice-President Namadi Sambo among the prominent figures in attendance.

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Observers note a moment of interaction between Wike and Sambo, while Atiku appears indifferent, reflecting the underlying tensions within the party.

Wike’s rift with Atiku stems from the latter’s preference for a different running mate during the 2023 presidential election, leading Wike to support Atiku’s rival, President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu’s subsequent appointment of Wike as minister further accentuated divisions within the PDP.

The failure to address Wike’s alleged anti-party activities, coupled with calls for the removal of Ambassador Iliya Damagum, the acting National Chairman, sets the stage for intense discussions at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Thursday.

PDP governors, also present at the caucus, indicate that Damagum’s fate will be decided by the NEC, underscoring the significance of the ongoing discussions.

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Notable attendees include former caretaker chairman Ahmed Makarfi, former Governor of Niger State Babangida Aliyu, and serving senator Abba Moro, among others.

As the meeting progresses, the dynamics within the PDP continue to evolve, setting the stage for critical decisions regarding leadership and party cohesion.

An atmosphere of unease has enveloped the elected officials of Kaduna State’s 23 local government areas and their 255 councillors amidst reports of a potential truncation of their tenure by the state government and assembly.

Although no official statement has been released, apprehension looms among the elected officials following the alleged passage of an amendment bill by the state assembly.

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The bill purportedly reduces the tenure of elected chairmen and councillors from three years to two years.

Additionally, the proposed amendment grants the governor the authority to dissolve the council four months before the expiration of the two-year tenure.

The perceived move has stirred concerns among the incumbents, who fear their tenure may be prematurely terminated, raising questions about the motives behind the legislative action.

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Reports indicate that the issue was discussed during a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Kaduna, involving the state governor, assembly leadership, elected chairmen, councillors, and other party leaders.

Speculations suggest that the potential truncation of tenure may stem from political rivalries, particularly between the incumbent governor, Uba Sani, and his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai.

Allegations circulate that the governor aims to consolidate his power by appointing loyalists as caretaker chairmen ahead of future elections.

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However, amidst backlash and legal threats, the governor reassured the elected officials of his commitment to democratic principles, pledging not to undermine their mandate.

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) denounced the purported move as unconstitutional, asserting that the elected officials should serve their full three-year term as mandated by the law.

Meanwhile, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) maintain that the proposed amendment will only apply to future councils, allowing the incumbents to complete their tenure.

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Governor Uba Sani’s office dismissed allegations of a tenure reduction plan, affirming his adherence to the rule of law and democratic values.

Efforts to obtain a response from the Kaduna State House of Assembly have been unsuccessful, leaving questions unanswered regarding the legislative rationale behind the proposed amendment.

As tensions escalate, the fate of Kaduna’s local government officials hangs in the balance, awaiting clarity on the future of their tenure amid political maneuvers and legal uncertainties.

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Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello found himself at the center of a dramatic episode as his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, reportedly spirited him away from his Abuja residence, according to sources within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

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This move followed a tense standoff between EFCC operatives and Bello’s supporters, who gathered at his residence amidst attempts by the anti-graft agency to arrest him on corruption charges.

The EFCC had cordoned off the area surrounding Bello’s residence in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, in an apparent bid to facilitate his arrest and subsequent arraignment on a 19-count charge before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja.

However, the situation took an unexpected turn when Governor Ododo arrived at the scene, prompting cheers from Bello’s supporters.

Subsequently, Ododo left the premises with Bello in tow, throwing into doubt the ex-governor’s impending arraignment.

Adding to the complexity of the situation were conflicting court orders regarding Bello’s arrest.

While a Kogi State High Court ruling from Lokoja restrained the EFCC from arresting or prosecuting Bello, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted the agency permission to arrest him in preparation for his arraignment.

Yahaya Bello, who served as governor of Kogi State from January 27, 2016, to January 27, 2024, when he handed over to Governor Ododo, now finds himself embroiled in legal and political turmoil as the saga unfolds.