PDP Reschedule NEC To Hold 1st Quater Of 2025, Set To Address Internal Issues

From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum has called for unity within the party and to address critical concerns and division amongst its members while stressing its commitment towards economic reforms and good governance.

The PDP governors made the call in a communique issued at the end of its 7th meeting in Jos, the Plateau State Capital on Saturday and read by the Chairman PDP Governors’ Forum Bala Mohammed, who is also Govenor of Bauchi state.

The meeting, which was attended by influential leaders within the PDP including the National Working Committee (NWC), the Board of Trustees (BOT), and other major party figures, addressed various issues affecting the party and the nation.

The forum expressed its commitment to addressing divisions within the party, emphasizing the importance of unity ahead of the next general elections.

The forum advised the National Working Committee (NWC) to coordinate consultations with stakeholders by February 2025 to address leadership and governance issues.
The forum expressed empathy with Nigerians over the current economic difficulties in the country and called for a review of federal government policies to improve citizens’ welfare.

It raised Concerns about the integrity of recent elections, particularly in Edo and Ondo states, alleging manipulation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and called for judicial and legislative action to protect democracy.

The forum commended the efforts of PDP members in the National Assembly and urged them to ensure fairness and equity in legislative bills.

The forum also expressed condolences over the recent fire disasters in Plateau and Jigawa states, acknowledging the impact on local communities.

The forum equally expressed gratitude for the hospitality accorded by the host state, Plateau, and in recognition of its developmental progress.
The forum’s discussions reflected on a strong commitment to party unity and addressing internal divisions while also focusing on the broader socio-economic challenges facing Nigerians, calling for action regarding electoral integrity and governance, emphasizing the need for reforms to ensure fair representation and accountability.

They acknowledged the recent tragedies but expressed gratitude for local hospitality which highlights community-oriented approach, reinforcing the party’s connection to the electorate.

The forum further reiterate its commitment a to reposition the PDP as a proactive and responsive political entity in Nigeria’s democratic space.
The Forum noted the concerns of Nigerians, PDP founding fathers, elders and members of our great Party of seeming divisions within the ranks and files, stating categorically that it remains resolute in its determination to ensure unity and cohesion of the Party that Nigerians have come to trust as the best platform for democratic governance.

Krestnews.com reports that a major development from the meeting was the acceptance of the postponement of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which was originally set for next week Thursday.

The shift according to the forum is in respect deat of the wife of Governor Eno Bassey of Akwa Ibom State, and expressed its condolences, urging prayers for the governor and his family.

The forum also urged the NWC to schedule the rescheduled NEC meeting by the first week of February 2025.

“The Forum is constrained to accept the latest postponement of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Party in empathy with our colleague, H.E. Governor Eno Bassey, whose late dear wife will be buried on the same day earlier scheduled for NEC. Once again, the Forum wishes to commiserate with our colleague and pray that God will grant him and the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“The Forum is strongly advising the NWC to call NEC latest by the first week of February 2025 to allow for elaborate consultations with critical stakeholders of the Party. The period between November and February is to address the existential problems confronting the Party, with a deliberate timeline of activities within the period under review to address issues of leadership and litigations confronting the Party”.

On the severe economic challenges facing Nigeria, the PDP governors called on the President to urgently review the country’s economic policies with a view to ameliorating the pains

They condemned the ongoing hardships inflicted on Nigerians under the policies of the APC-led federal government, with the PDP Governors’ Forum pledging continued efforts to alleviate these issues at the state level.

They also took aim at recent electoral irregularities, specifically in Edo and Ondo States, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of manipulating results to favor the ruling APC.

The PDP called for a thorough examination of these electoral malpractices and urged the judiciary and National Assembly to intervene in order to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.

The Forum empathizes with Nigerians who are groaning under the oppressive economic hardship foisted on the nation by the policies and decisions of the APC-led Federal Governmen.

It calls on the President to urgently review both macroeconomic and fiscal policies that will address the welfare and well-being of Nigerians,and that all PDP Governors will continue to aggressively pursue policies and programs that will reduce the hardship and ensure progress and development.

“The Forum notes with concern the rape of democracy in Edo Governorship elections. It is clear to everyone with conscience that INEC manipulated results in favour of the APC candidate when in fact majority of lawful votes were won by the PDP candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo. Meanwhile, we are still examining the documents in Ondo Elections where the APC manipulated results after openly buying votes. The Forum called on the judiciary to save Nigerian democracy and the National Assembly to look into our electoral laws to make it difficult for institutional sabotage of the will of the people”; the communique reads in part.

On the fire disasters in Plateau and Jigawa States, specifically the devastating fire at Katako Market in Jos and the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa they pledged their support to the affected communities, while also acknowledging the progress made in Plateau State under its current government.

The Governors thanked Plateau State government for hosting the event and showcasing the state’s progress, particularly in areas such as social services, tourism, and transportation.

Going forward, the Forum affirmed its commitment to reclaiming political power in Nigeria, with the party’s leaders expressing optimism about regaining their rightful place in the country’s political space.