By Abiola Olawale
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced its decision to reschedule its upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting from August to September 2024.
The NEC meeting initially scheduled to be held in August was aimed at resolving issues regarding the National chairmanship position of the opposition, PDP which has been been in crisis over tussle for leadership by forces loyal to Mr Nyesome Wike, FCT minister and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
It would be recalled that the NEC in its last meeting had given the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Illiya Damagum lifeline to continue in office pending the conclusion of the party congresses in states where there are executive vacancies.
Meanwhile, in a fresh letter signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, the party has announced an adjustment to the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2024 congresses.
Under the adjustment, the ward congresses that will elect ward executives will now take place on Saturday, July 27, 2024, while the appeal panels to hear the appeals arising from the ward congresses will sit on August 2, 2024.
Also, the local government congress elections to elect local government executives will take place on August 10, 2024, while the appeal panels will sit on August 16.
The NWC also approved that state congresses to elect state executive committees will be held on August 31 while the appeal committee will hear the appeals arising from the elections on September 5.
In the letter, the party cited the absence of critical stakeholders who are away to perform their religious obligations during the ongoing Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
This means Damagum would remain as acting National Chairman till September as the congresses were scheduled to lead to the election of a substantive national chairman of the party.
The letter reads in part: “You may please recall our earlier letter dated Friday, April 19, 2024, in which we informed you of the National Executive Committee’s (NEC’s) approved timetable and schedule of activities for the 2024 party congresses to elect new party executives at the appropriate levels.
“This is to formally inform you that the National Working Committee (NWC), on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC), at its 587th meeting held on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, approved the extension of the Membership drive to now end on Thursday, June 27, 2024.
“This adjustment is necessitated by the Holy period of Hajj in which some of our stakeholders will be away to observe.
“You are, therefore, by this correspondence directed to be guided accordingly. While thanking you for your commitment to the party, please accept the assurances of the NWC’s highest regards.”
