• Damagum Under Pressure as PDP Seeks Resolution by 2025
• PDP Governors criticize APC’s economic policies
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared its commitment to reclaim power at the center in 2027. To achieve this, the party’s governors have emphasized the need for unity and cohesion among members and organs of the party.
This declaration followed a meeting of the PDP Governors Forum held in Jos, Plateau State, where a detailed roadmap was outlined.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, which was read by Bauchi State Governor and Forum Chairman Bala Mohammed, the governors noted the postponement of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting due to the bereavement of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, who lost his wife.
“The forum wishes to state categorically that it commands resolution in its determination to ensure unity and cohesion of this great party that Nigerians have come to trust as the best platform for democratic governance,” the communiqué stated.
The governors also called on the National Working Committee (NWC) to reschedule the NEC meeting by February 2025 to address leadership and governance issues.
The forum highlighted the urgency of resolving these matters to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Unity and Electoral Integrity as Key Priorities
The PDP Governors Forum pledged to address the internal conflicts and divisions threatening the party’s cohesion. They expressed concern over alleged electoral malpractice in recent governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.
The forum accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of manipulating results in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The forum notes with concern the rape on democracy in Edo governorship election. It is clear to everyone with conscience that INEC manipulated results in favor of the APC candidate when in fact majority of lawful votes were won by the PDP candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo,” the communiqué alleged.
Calling for legislative reforms, the governors urged the judiciary and National Assembly to take measures that would safeguard Nigeria’s democracy and prevent institutional sabotage.
Acting Chairman Damagum Faces Internal Pressure
Meanwhile, fresh pressure mounts on the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Ilyas Damagum, to step aside. The PDP Governors Forum, alongside the Board of Trustees (BoT), National Assembly Caucus, and Former Governors Forum, has demanded that the postponed NEC meeting be held by early February 2025 to address leadership and litigation issues.
Sources revealed that some factions within the party are opposed to Damagum remaining in office until the party’s national convention in December 2025, fearing his influence on the selection of the 2027 presidential candidate.
However, the Damagum-led faction has secured a court order restraining the party from removing him. Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that under the PDP Constitution, only the National Convention can elect or remove party officers.
Governors Push for Reforms
The PDP Governors Forum acknowledged the challenges posed by the postponement of the NEC meeting, stating that it empathized with Governor Umo Eno over his loss. The forum stressed the need for prompt consultations with stakeholders to ensure party unity and prepare for upcoming zonal congresses.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Governor Bala Mohammed advocated for a consensus on holding the NEC meeting by late January or early February 2025. The governors emphasized that addressing leadership issues and court cases would be critical for the party’s stability.
Economic Policies and Hardship Under APC Criticized
In addition to internal party matters, the PDP Governors Forum criticized the APC-led Federal Government for its economic policies, which they claimed have worsened the hardship faced by Nigerians.
They called for urgent policy reviews to alleviate citizens’ suffering and pledged to continue implementing policies at the state level to reduce economic hardship.
Kogi PDP Chairmanship Election Sparks Controversy
The controversy over the Kogi State PDP chairmanship election also featured prominently in discussions. Mohammad Gambo, the runner-up in the August 2024 election, demanded recognition as the duly elected chairman, alleging that Enemona Anyebe, who was declared winner, was barred by a court order.
Gambo stated, “The illegality associated with having Enemona Anyebe as chairman is criminal and a crime against humanity, particularly for law-abiding members of the PDP in Kogi State.”
In response, Anyebe said he would address the allegations at an appropriate time.
Future Outlook for the PDP
As the PDP strategizes for the 2027 elections, the party faces critical challenges, including internal divisions, leadership disputes, and electoral integrity concerns.
The governors remain optimistic, expressing confidence that the current economic challenges under the APC will provide an opportunity for the PDP to regain power.
The governors concluded their meeting with a renewed commitment to unity, cohesion, and democratic governance, vowing to restore the party as a trusted platform for Nigerians.
