There was a mild protest at the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Wednesday.
The protest comes amidst heightened tension in the party ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting slated for Thursday, News About Nigeria reports.
The protesters reportedly backed Umar Damagun, the Acting National Chairman, and Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister.
Carrying signs showing support for Wike and Damagun, they accused some PDP members of stirring up trouble within the party.
This protest took place a day ahead of the party’s national executive committee meeting. The gathering is set to address PDP leadership matters.
Recently, some PDP members demanded the resignation of the National Working Committee (NWC), blaming them for the party’s downward trajectory.
The NWC, however, expressed confidence in Damagun’s leadership, vowing to steer the party towards stability and growth.
They praised his efforts during the 584th NWC meeting on Tuesday at the party’s National Secretariat.
Damagun, a former PDP National Deputy Chairman (North), assumed the role of the party’s acting national chairman after the court suspended the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, last March.
An NWC member, preferring anonymity, revealed the NWC’s stance on Damagum, stating, “The NWC met to set the agenda for the caucus and NEC meeting. The issue of the party’s national chairman won’t be discussed due to ongoing court proceedings. Once resolved, it’ll be referred to the North Central for recommendations.
“Currently, there’s no vacancy in the NWC. So, the NEC can’t confirm a replacement for Ayu or appoint Damagun as the substantive chairman. He’ll remain in an acting capacity.”
The agenda for the caucus includes deliberations on state congresses, ratifying NWC decisions, and establishing a committee to address reconciliation and disciplinary issues.
The Thursday meeting will host 52 members of the National Caucus Committee.
