PDP In Talks To Fix Date For NEC Meeting

Following the crisis rocking the main opposition party, talks have begun over the much-anticipated meeting of the National Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

It was gathered that the PDP is planning to hold a NEC after April 17, a date set aside for the hearing of the suit on the suspension of the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu.

Recall that Ayu was suspended by his Igyorov ward in the Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.

The suspended PDP chairman, who had stepped aside in obedience to a court order, is seeking to vacate the order made by Justice Wilfred of the Benue State High Court in Makurdi.

The PDP acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, is expected to convene a NEC meeting to deliberate on issues concerning the party, including the issues leading to Ayu’s suspension.

Denying knowledge of an imminent NEC meeting, Damagum told The PUNCH, “I am just hearing this from you.”

A party source, who spoke anonymously, said the meeting was being discussed with no date slated for it yet.

The source said: “You know NEC is a big event; party leaders and stakeholders attend from across the country. As a result, there is a need for adequate preparation so that you don’t send invites only to realise that the party was not ready for it. Talks are in progress, and a date would be announced as soon as possible.

“I think the new leadership seems to be too much in a hurry, and it may have been advised to tread carefully. The substantive National Chairman did not resign; he stepped aside. His suspension is before the court. Whether we like or not, he has his loyalists, some of whom have been very vocal in the media. I think these and other related issues are the reasons a date has not been picked for a NEC meeting.”

The party’s Deputy Youth Leader and NEC member, Timothy Osadolor, told The PUNCH on Monday that although the party was planning to hold a NEC meeting, a date had yet to be fixed.

Osadolor stated, “It is only natural for NEC meeting to be convened now, but there are procedures. You can’t convene a NEC meeting without preparations, security, and all of that. I am sure that once the leadership of the party agrees on these things, a date will be communicated, and notice will be issued. For now, it is still at a discussion level. No tentative date has been fixed for it.”