The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has established a committee to address the ongoing dispute over the party’s National Secretary position.
The resolution was part of a communiqué issued at the end of the BoT’s 79th meeting held on Wednesday, at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja.
The committee, led by former Special Duties minister, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki SAN, has been tasked with engaging the parties involved in the dispute, studying the situation, and reporting back to the BoT for further action.
The disagreement, which is currently before the courts, has been a source of tension within the party’s leadership.
In the communiqué presented by BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, the BoT expressed concerns over the unresolved challenges within the PDP, particularly disagreements within the National Working Committee (NWC). It called on party members and leaders to prioritize the unity, stability, and progress of the PDP over personal or sectional interests.
The communique affirmed that the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, assured the BoT that the long-awaited National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting would hold as scheduled in February 2025.
The NEC meeting is expected to address pressing issues within the party and reaffirm its commitment to the ideals of unity and discipline.
On national issues, the BoT criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration for worsening economic and security conditions, accusing it of implementing ill-conceived policies that have deepened social dislocation and hopelessness among Nigerians.
The BoT condemned the APC’s insensitivity, citing unjustified multiple taxes, rising fuel prices, electricity tariffs, and telecommunication charges, which it said have crippled the productive sector and increased the cost of living.
It demanded that the APC administration immediately reverse its “anti-people policies” and take urgent steps to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and revitalize the nation’s productive sector.
The BoT also extended condolences to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State over the loss of his elder brother and Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State on the passing of his stepmother.
Reassuring Nigerians, the BoT stated, “The PDP remains a strong, united, and cohesive political party committed to the sustenance of democracy and the well-being of Nigerians at all times.”
The BoT emphasized that resolving internal conflicts and addressing national concerns would bolster the party’s position as a viable alternative to the APC ahead of future elections.