The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has postponed its much-anticipated 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, originally scheduled for May 27, 2025, at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja. The postponement aims to allow the reconciliation committee, led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, more time to resolve internal disputes threatening the party’s unity.
A formal notice from PDP’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, emphasized that any announcements signed by the Deputy National Secretary acting as National Secretary are unauthorized and should be disregarded. The notice assured that a new meeting date would be announced in accordance with party guidelines and electoral laws.
The postponement comes amid growing skepticism about the party’s ability to discipline high-profile members, especially former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, who have been at the center of ongoing party conflicts.
Speaking on the BBC Hausa programme Gane man Hanya, acting PDP National Chairman Ilya Damagum criticized the party’s disciplinary committee for its slow response to at least 40 petitions concerning indiscipline within the party. He lamented that only one petition has been acted upon, which has contributed to the party’s current fragility.
“There were strong grounds to remove Wike and others from the party,” Damagum stated, adding that the committee ignored advice to expel the “five troublemakers” until after the 2023 elections, allowing tensions to fester.
Former PDP National Auditor Ray Nnaji also urged strict enforcement of discipline, accusing Wike of derailing the party’s progress. “If he doesn’t want to remain, he should leave. His conduct is damaging the PDP — this same party made him who he is,” Nnaji said.
Similarly, party chieftain James Uzosike blamed the leadership’s failure to act decisively for the party’s predicament. PDP Board of Trustees member Chief Olabode George called on the NEC to take a firm stand, insisting that anyone disloyal to the party should be shown the exit. “Voting for an APC presidential candidate while claiming PDP membership is double standards,” he added.
In a defiant stance, Nyesom Wike has withdrawn from previous agreements made to resolve the crisis and openly declared war on two state governors, blaming Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for the party’s turmoil. Wike accused Makinde of being the chief architect of the problems and the main culprit for breaching agreements meant to stabilize the party.
In a detailed statement titled “PDP Crisis: My Position,” Wike reaffirmed support for Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the legitimate PDP National Secretary, citing a Supreme Court judgment. He demanded that all legal actions concerning Rivers State be withdrawn and insisted that no party member should deviate from prior agreements.
Wike described the party’s troubles as rooted in “dishonesty and lack of trust” among key stakeholders. He recounted meetings involving governors Bala Mohammed, Umaru Fintri, Seyi Makinde, and Bukola Saraki, where resolutions were reached but later disregarded, fueling tensions.
Meanwhile, the PDP as an institution has distanced itself from Wike’s claims. National Financial Secretary Daniel Woyengikuro stated in Abuja that any deals made by Wike were personal and did not represent the party’s official stance. He called for calm and urged Nigerians to seek official statements only from authorized party officials.
On the contrary, PDP Board of Trustees member Jones Onyereri expressed disappointment over the apparent betrayal of agreements brokered by senior party elders. “Why would anyone renege on agreements staked on by governors and former governors? It’s not a good look,” Onyereri remarked.
