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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Ahead of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting slated for Thursday, the the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has passed a vote of confidence on the party’s Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum.
A statement issued on Wednesday by Hon. Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary of the party, said the decision of the NWC, which came at the end of its 584th meeting at the national secretariat on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, was in commendation of the efforts and commitment of the acting national chairman to stabilise and reposition PDP as the main opposition party in Nigeria.
The NWC also assured of its commitment in ensuring the continued stability, growth and success of the party at all time.
“The Deputy National Chairman (South), Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, presided over the motion for Vote of Confidence on the Acting National Chairman which was moved by the National Vice Chairman (South East), Chief Ali Odefa, and seconded by the National Treasurer, Hon. Yayari Mohammed,” Ologunagba said.
The PDP is currently facing one of its toughest battles since the 2023 election as some stakeholders are calling for leadership change and suspension of Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for alleged anti-party activities.
Damagum has been in the eye of the storm since he became the acting national chairman, with the North Central geo-political zone where Dr Iyorchia Ayu, the suspended national Clchairman hails from, insisting on completing his tenure.
However, it was gathered that those loyal to Wike in the PDP are working to retain Damagum as Chairman to complete the tenure of Ayu.
Efforts to pass a vote of confidence on Damagum by the PDP caucus in the House of Representatives was thwarted by a coalition of 60 lawmakers led by Ikenga Ugochinyere, on Tuesday.
The vote of confidence by the NWC might not be unconnected with move by some interests in the party to make sure Damagum is confirmed as the PDP substantive chairman.