By Tajudeen Balogun
The 99th National Executive Committee Meeting (NEC) of the opposition People’s Democratic (PDP) has ended in Abuja, without a resolution on the contentious issue relating to the office of the National Secretary.
PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, disclosed this while reading the communique issued after the meeting, on Tuesday.
While announcing that the issue has been rested till June 30, 2025, Damagum confirmed that NEC received the resolution of the South-East General Executive with regards to the national secretary position.
The New Diplomat reports that the Executive Committee had, on May 21, submitted its resolution, nominating former National Youth Leader, Sunday Udeh-Okoye, for the position of National Secretary as a replacement for Senator Samuel Anyanwu – who was originally elected for the position.
Damagum said that NEC also received and ratified the composition of the committee on the zoning of National offices, ahead of the party’s National convention.
He announced that members of the zoning committee include: Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa (Chairman), Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara (Vice Chairman) and Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau (Secretary).
Damagum also named members of the National Convention Committee to include: Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri (Chairman), Gov. Ademola Adeleke (Vice Chairman) and Gov. Peter Mbah (Secretary).
He pointed out that NEC thoroughly examined the state of affairs in the nation and within the party.
Damagum expressed concern over security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping and attacks on communities in various parts of the country.
He revealed that NEC lamented the economic hardship and poverty level occasioned by hike in fuel price, increase in electricity tariff and multiple taxes.
Against this background, PDP called on President Bola Tinubu-led administration to take practical steps toward addressing the insecurity and economic situation of the country.
The Acting National chairman restated that the party’s belief in democracy, rule of law and the supremacy of the will of the people, as expressed through their free and unhindered democratic participation in multi-party politics and governance.
He noted that the successful convening of the NEC meeting was a clear demonstration of the party’s unity and focus, in spite of the challenges it is currently facing.
Damagum reassured Nigerians that PDP remained strong, resilient, united and determined now more than ever before in leading the charge to rescue NIgeria.
Earlier in his opening remarks, he commended the party leaders for holding the meeting in spite of all the changes.
He noted that the meeting had been postponed over time due to so many reasons.
“Even now, there are issues that ought to have culminated into moving the record, but we said that this NEC should hold, no matter how,” he said.
Damagum confirmed that about three more NEC meetings would still be held before the party’s national convention to enable it to sort out most of the contentious issues.
