The caucus meeting of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) has described the sealing of the national secretariat of the party by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) as “a reckless display of irresponsibility.”
The BoT which vowed to challenge the decision said it was a deliberate act by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to silence them.
The Acting National Chairman of PDP, Umar Damagum, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the emergency closed-door caucus meeting said it had been adjourned till tomorrow (Tuesday), but did not give details on the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
He said, “We have just adjourned today’s meeting until tomorrow at 10 o’clock.
The meeting will continue then. We have also established a small committee that will present us with a report tomorrow morning, and we will resume our discussions from there. By the time we conclude tomorrow’s meeting, we will address you properly.
“I would like to take this opportunity to inform you that, as you may be aware, our office has been sealed. This is a clear example of the irresponsibility exhibited by this government.
If they are encouraging such actions, we do not take it lightly.
In fact, they could come and arrest all of us, and we are prepared for that.
“However, we condemn this act in the strongest terms. It is a reckless display of irresponsibility, and we will not tolerate it.
“They are attempting to undermine democracy, and this is completely unacceptable.
We condemn their actions outright and will ensure that, in the near future, they are held accountable.”
The emergency meeting BOT caucus meeting was held at the Bauchi Governors’ Lodge in Abuja, after the sealing of the party’s Secretariat in Zone 5 on the orders of the FCTA led by Nyesom Wike over alleged unpaid ground rent spanning 28 years.
The meeting which aimed to address the deepening internal crisis and operational challenges facing the PDP, started by 5:30 pm.
Sources said it would primarily focus on resolving the escalating feud involving Wike and other political combatants over supremacy and the sealing of the PDP secretariat.
Arise News reports that Wike had withdrawn from peace talks and accused key PDP leaders, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of dishonesty.
Among the PDP leaders at the BoT meeting include its Acting National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum; Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah; Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri; Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang; Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri; and Governor of Bauchi State, who is also Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed.
Also in attendance are Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal; former Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson; former Senate President and ex-Governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki; PDP BoT member, Ben Obi; and Olabode George.
Others include a former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Prof Jerry Gana; former Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu; former Chairman of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN); and former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Iyom Josephine Anenih.
The unexpected closure has forced the party to relocate its operations and has added a sense of urgency to the discussions.
“They’re also dealing with the fact that the party’s Headquarters has been shut down by the FCTA over unpaid rent, which is why they’re meeting at the lodge instead”, it was learnt on Monday.
A source said, “The BoT is also considering postponing the planned NEC meeting, which was scheduled for Tuesday.
They want to give more time to resolve the internal issues and keep the party united. They might push the NEC meeting back to give more time to settle these conflicts”
The PDP crisis took a worsening twist on Sunday when Wike publicly accused the party leaders and withdrew from reconciliation efforts, causing even more confusion within the party.
The shutdown of Wadata Plaza, a key symbol of the party, has raised questions about how well the PDP manages its finances and operations.
The BoT meeting is very important for the party as its outcomes could significantly influence the PDP’s ability to unify and strategize effectively ahead of the political battles ahead.
Friday Olokor
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