The governors elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are expected to meet on Monday, October 14, to discuss the internal crisis in the party which took a different turn on Friday following the emergence of a factional PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Yayari Mohammed.
The move to relieve the PDP acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, of his duties has split the PDP governors, with the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, leading six other governors pushing for Damagum’s ouster.
A source who spoke to Punch under the condition of anonymity stated the main agenda of the governors’ meeting today is possible reconciliation of Damagum, who is an ally of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the factional chairman, Yayari Mohammed’s camp.
He stated, “The governors will meet on Monday. In their meeting, they will review actions taken by both groups, namely the Damagum and Mohammed factions of the NWC. There will be extensive discussion about last week’s suspension. From what I have gathered, they will decide whether to uphold or cancel the suspensions from both camps, which may lead to voting among them.
“They will have to decide the fate of both factions of the NWC, as this will determine which faction will chair the October 24 NEC and will also significantly impact whether the NEC meeting will proceed. Essentially, the NWC and the NEC are the major issues that the governors will address.
“Though the governors are also divided, as you are aware, Bauchi’s governor and a few others are against Wike’s ally, Damagum. Meanwhile, Makinde, Fintiri, and Mutfwang are leading the pro-Damagum faction. Despite the division, they will engage in a heart-to-heart conversation and attempt to reach a conclusion on the genuine NWC leadership and ensure the NEC meeting is held as scheduled.”
Another party chieftain also told the aforementioned publication that the governors would be attempting to douse the tension in the party.
The source stated, “The governors are meeting tomorrow (Monday), and the main agenda is to find solutions to some of the issues affecting the PDP at all levels.
“What they will do is agree on a framework that captures the interests of both groups and all stakeholders, helping to assuage tensions so they can recommit to the party leadership.
“The October 24 NEC will be held as scheduled. It is cast in stone and will proceed.”
