By Desire Emmanuel
Showdown seems to be looming between the two factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as those belonging to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, are planning to hold both National Executive Council (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BOT) meetings inside the National Secretariat of the party.
The national secretariat of the party at Wadata Plaza is currently under the control of the faction of the party headed by its chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum and the decision of the other faction to hold the NEC and BOT meetings may be creating fresh tension and crisis.
It will be recalled that the Damagum-led exco of the party held its National Working Committee meeting two weeks ago where they suspended four top executive members, including the National Secretary, Sam Anyanwu; the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), as well as the Deputy National Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha, for one month.
The suspended members immediately held a counter meeting, where they also announced the suspension of Damagum, the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and others.
Also during its national convention held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the party announced the expulsion of 11 top leaders, including Wike, former Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, Anyanwu, among others.
However, the Wike’s faction of the party seems to be spoiling for showdown as it has scheduled what it called “emergency NEC and BOT meetings” for Tuesday, November 18 at the national secretariat.
According to the special invitation signed by Anyanwu who described himself as the”National Secretary,” the meeting will hold at the NEC Hall of the national secretariat of the party.
While the BOT meeting will hold at 11:00 a.m., that of NEC will begin at 2:00 p.m.
According to the statement, “attendance at the meeting is very important as crucial matters will be discussed and addressed.”
Many analysts believe that the planned meeting may lead to a showdown and confrontation, as the current leadership of the party is occupying the national secretariat.
