PDP NWC Faces Criticism Over Postponement of 99th NEC Meeting to October 24

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has come under fire following the further postponement of the party’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, now slated for October 24. This marks the second delay in recent weeks, after the meeting, initially scheduled for August 15, was moved to September 26.

Party chieftains, speaking to reporters, voiced their discontent, alleging that the constant postponements are a strategic attempt to stall crucial discussions on pressing party matters, including the replacement of the PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.

The latest delay was formally communicated on September 16 in a document signed by the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. The party leadership cited the incomplete congresses in eight states as the primary reason for the change.

According to the statement, the reports from these congresses need to be finalized and presented to the NEC for consideration.

“The NWC commenced congresses in 24 states, but due to litigation, disagreements among stakeholders, and logistical challenges, the process remains incomplete in some states, including Abia and Ebonyi.

“As a result, the NEC meeting has been rescheduled to October 24 to allow for the necessary congress reports to be compiled,” the statement read.

However, not everyone within the PDP is satisfied with this explanation. A senior NWC member, speaking on condition of anonymity, accused the leadership of delaying the NEC meeting for reasons unrelated to the congresses.

“This latest postponement was not well-received by many of us,” the source revealed.

“The meeting was crucial for addressing key issues affecting the party, and it seems the delay serves specific interests rather than the party’s collective needs.”

The source further questioned the feasibility of resolving the legal challenges in eight states within the next month.

“What happens if these litigations continue beyond October? Are we going to see another postponement?”

PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, also voiced his frustrations, stating that while the reasons provided by the leadership were legitimate, the delays are exacerbating frustrations among party members eager to address vital concerns.

“There are obvious challenges in some states, and we acknowledge that congresses could not be held.

“But this postponement is beginning to feel like a deliberate attempt to frustrate party members,” Osadolor said.

He added, “There’s an urgent need for the party’s leadership to come together and resolve these issues.

“All is not well within the PDP, and the NEC is the platform where these problems can be addressed. Another delay only hinders the party’s progress.”

As October 24 approaches, tensions within the PDP continue to rise, with members increasingly concerned that further delays will deepen divisions and stall critical decisions needed to move the party forward.