Fatshimetry: Nigeria PDP Internal Crisis Threatens October 24 NEC Meeting
The political climate within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of Nigeria is becoming increasingly tumultuous, jeopardizing the scheduled October 24 National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. Indeed, internal tensions and legal disputes among party leaders are undermining the stability and unity needed for the successful holding of this crucial meeting.
Contrary to the expectations of many stakeholders seeking a peaceful resolution of the party’s problems, the resort to the courts by some leaders is complicating the situation. A party insider noted that the recent court ruling preventing the removal of the current Acting Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, by the NEC and the BoT, may seriously jeopardize the holding of this meeting.
The court ruling has thus frozen any discussion regarding the party’s leadership, including the burning issue of Damagum’s removal from his position as Acting Chairman. The situation is all the more tense as the issue of party leadership had already been postponed in previous meetings, leaving a climate of uncertainty over the future of the party.
At the heart of the debate is the North Central region of the country, which legitimately claims the right to propose a successor to the former party president. According to Article 47(6) of the revised DPP Constitution, the region should be able to fulfill this role under circumstances where a previous president is incapacitated, impeached or resigns.
A former national communication secretary of the DPP stressed that the North Central region is determined to defend its legitimate rights. Supporters of the region are thus boldly demanding the appointment of a successor from the same ethnic group as the former president to complete his term.
A contender for the post of party president from the same region as the former president has expressed his intention to succeed his compatriot. He is vocal in his claim that the North Central has the right to have one of its own in the position, even if it is only for a few days.
Meanwhile, the leadership conflict is being exacerbated by the divergent support within the party. On the one hand, the pro-Damagum group, supported in particular by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is winning legal victories against its opponents. On the other, supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who want to see Damagum replaced, are trying to reorganize their strategy.
The internal pressure within the PDP is revealing the cracks that threaten the unity of the party. If no compromise is found and tensions persist, the PDP risks weakening its position vis-à-vis the opposition, offering an opportunity for its political rival, the APC, to gain an advantage in the next elections.
In conclusion, the internal crisis of the PDP Nigeria highlights the challenges facing the party in its quest for stability and cohesion. The internal rivalries and leadership conflicts underscore the need for the party to find solutions quickly to ensure its effectiveness and sustainability in the national political scene.