ABUJA — The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convened an emergency closed-door meeting on Monday evening at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, as the party grapples with escalating internal conflicts and mounting operational challenges.
The high-level meeting, which commenced at 5:30 p.m., is primarily aimed at addressing the deepening rift involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who recently withdrew from ongoing peace talks. Wike accused several party leaders, notably Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, of dishonesty, further straining reconciliation efforts within the party.
A party source confirmed to Vanguard that the BoT is working to de-escalate tensions: “The BoT is trying to sort out the issues with Wike. He pulled out of the peace talks and accused leaders like Seyi Makinde of not being truthful.”
Among those present at the meeting are key stakeholders including Acting National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum; Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah; Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri; Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang; Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri; and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum.
Also in attendance are Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal; former Senate President Bukola Saraki; PDP BoT member Ben Obi; retired Navy Commodore Olabode George; former Information Minister Jerry Gana; former Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu; former PDP Ministers’ Forum Chair Kabiru Tanimu Turaki; and former Minister of Women Affairs Josephine Anenih.
Beyond the Wike controversy, the BoT is also deliberating on the sudden closure of the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). The secretariat was shut down due to over 28 years of unpaid ground rent, compelling the party to relocate its operations to the Bauchi Lodge.
“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,” the source added.
In light of these developments, the BoT is considering postponing the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting initially scheduled for Tuesday. The delay would provide additional time for conflict resolution and internal reconciliation efforts.
“The NEC meeting might be pushed back to give more time to settle these internal conflicts,” the source said.
The PDP has been under increasing strain following Wike’s public withdrawal from reconciliation efforts on Sunday, reigniting concerns over the party’s unity, leadership direction, and future ahead of key national political events.
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