Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-04-18 03:14:18
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a critical juncture, with significant decisions on the horizon in today’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. Caught between the leadership of Atiku Abubakar and Nyesom Wike are deliberations that will determine the future direction of the opposition party. The fate of the acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, hangs in the balance, along with the overall leadership and strategic vision of the party moving forward.
The 98th NEC meeting has been fraught with issues that could potentially jeopardize the PDP’s prospects in the upcoming 2027 general elections. Political hostilities between the factions led by Atiku Abubakar and Nyesom Wike, which surfaced prior to the 2023 elections, have resurfaced with renewed vigor and cunning schemes.
Key figures like former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, are gearing up for a showdown that will define the course of the opposition party. At present, Atiku’s camp is advocating for a fresh face to take over as the national chairman, supplanting the ousted Iyorchia Ayu and interim chairman Umar Damagum. They are rallying behind former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam as the preferred candidate, with the North Central PDP Stakeholders Forum showing support for his candidacy.
Conversely, the Wike camp is pushing for the retention of the Damagum-led National Working Committee until 2025, when a national convention will be held. Damagum’s influence comes from strong ties with state party chairmen across the nation, solidifying his position in the complex power struggle within the PDP.
In addition to the leadership stalemate, the NEC meeting will address the contentious issue of sanctioning party members accused of engaging in anti-party activities during previous elections. Bauchi State Governor and PDP Governors Forum Chairman, Bala Mohammed, stressed the urgency of unity within the party to avert any crisis that could undermine their electoral prospects.
The escalating tensions within the PDP have led to a disheartening situation, with opposing factions jostling for control and influence over the party’s direction. Internal discord and power wrangling threaten to erode the party’s unity and electoral viability if not swiftly addressed by the NEC.
As the NEC meeting unfolds, the outcomes will ripple through the coming phases of the PDP’s organizational renewal and electoral strategies. The decisions made in this pivotal gathering will shape the trajectory of the party leading up to the 2027 general elections, holding significant implications for the Nigerian opposition landscape at large. Overall, navigating these challenges will test the resilience and cohesion of the PDP as it navigates through this critical crossroads.
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