The 98th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ended on Thursday, April 18, with a strong resolve to unite various contending camps and rebrand the party towards returning to power in 2027.
Although some tension was still in the air when the meeting commenced, FCT Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igwe and officials of the Department of State Security (DSS) cordoned off the PDP headquarters in Abuja and barred contending groups of hired protesters from hampering the peaceful anti-climax that manifested by the end of the meeting.
While part of the 15-point communique read by the PDP national publicity secretary, Debo Ologunagba predictably took a swipe at the APC-controlled federal government, it emphasized the PDP leaders’ new resolve to ensure early
preparations for the 2027 general elections while some highly divisive issues, including the leadership position of acting national chairman, Ambassador Umar Ilya Damagum were either subtly modified or indefinitely postponed.
“NEC commends all the Organs of the Party for their collective resilience, steadfastness and commitment towards the unity, stability and sustenance of our great Party despite daunting challenges.
“NEC also commends members of the PDP, with particular reference to the youths and women for their courage in resisting the antics of the divisive and anti-people All Progressives Congress (APC), especially, its desperation to emasculate the opposition and foist a one-Party State on our nation.
“NEC charges all Organs, leaders, critical stakeholders and indeed all members of the PDP to close ranks, put aside every personal or group interests and work together in the overall effort to reposition and return the PDP to power at the centre in the interest of the Nigerian people.
“Consequently, NEC received and approved the Timetable for Party Congresses across the country.
“NEC also approved the Reconstitution of the Party Disciplinary and Reconciliation Committees to further ensure the stability of the Party.
“Similarly, NEC approved the extension of the life of the Party Constitution Amendment Committee to allow it to receive new amendment proposals for inclusion in its deliberation and final report for consideration by NEC.
“NEC commended the efforts of the National Working Committee in its effort towards rebranding the Party including the new look PDP Logo which is widely accepted by Party members and Nigerians in general.
“NEC charges all Party members to continue to work together for the success of the PDP for the benefit of Nigerians and sustenance of Democracy in our country,” Ologunagba stated.