Prior to the approaching Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting set for today, former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, has cautioned that the decisions made during the meeting could significantly impact the party’s future.
In a statement released on Wednesday evening, Chidoka directly addressed the PDP governors and the National Assembly Caucus, highlighting that any attempts by the PDP NEC to undermine the party’s constitution could result in catastrophic consequences that jeopardize the party’s stability.
The scheduled NEC meeting, taking place later today, will focus on various agenda items, including deliberations on whether the current acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, should continue in his role or be replaced.
It is worth noting that Damagum assumed the position of acting National Chairman after the indefinite suspension of Iyorchia Ayu in March 2023 by a court in Benue State, having previously served as the PDP Deputy National Chairman, North.
While some party stakeholders advocate for the election of a member from the North Central region to complete Ayu’s term in line with the party’s constitution, others are supportive of Damagum as the potential substantive chairman.
Chidoka expressed that failure by the PDP to uphold constitutional principles and respect party regulations during the NEC meeting could lead to drastic actions, including leading progressive members in symbolically laying the party to rest.
“The party must break free from corruption and unethical practices, and return to its fundamental mission of providing effective governance in its states and serving as a principled opposition that earns the trust of Nigerians,” Chidoka emphasized.
He warned of the severe consequences if the party does not navigate away from imminent threats and called for urgent actions to preserve the essence of the party that played a pivotal role in sustaining democracy in Nigeria.