The internal turmoil within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened as the National Working Committee (NWC) announced the indefinite postponement of the party’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
Originally slated for November 28, the meeting was rescheduled due to the funeral ceremony of Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State.
In a statement issued by PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the NWC explained that the decision was made to allow party leaders to attend the funeral and commiserate with the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno.
“Distinguished members of the National Executive Committee may recall that the NEC meeting scheduled for October 24, 2024, was rescheduled to November 28, 2024, after extensive consultations. However, at its meeting on November 20, 2024, the NWC took note of the funeral events coinciding with the NEC activities and, after due consideration, decided to postpone the NEC meeting indefinitely,” the statement read.
The NWC assured party members that a new date for the NEC meeting would be announced in due course, apologizing for any inconvenience caused by the change.
Despite the official explanation, an anonymous senior member of the NWC alleged that the postponement was not only due to the funeral but also a strategic move to gain more time.
“While the funeral is a valid reason, the postponement is also seen as a calculated tactic to delay proceedings. Most attendees travel by air and could still have participated in both events if properly planned. Those aligned with Umar Damagum are working to consolidate his position and ensure he completes Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s term as National Chairman,” the source claimed.
The source also suggested that the announcement aimed to preempt actions by PDP governors scheduled to meet in Jos over the weekend, indicating a growing power struggle within the party.
This development adds another layer to the PDP’s ongoing leadership crisis, leaving the party’s unity hanging in the balance.