The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has decided to postpone its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting from October 24 to November 28. This change aims to strengthen party unity as they prepare for the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Ondo on November 16, 2024.

Bala Mohammed, the Governor of Bauchi State and Chair of the PDP Governors’ Forum, emphasized at a recent stakeholders meeting in Abuja that the opposition would resist any effort to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. “We will ensure that all forces of division fail,” he stated, underscoring the party’s commitment to creating a united front.

During the stakeholders meeting, significant progress was reported by Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who leads the PDP reconciliation committee. He announced that the committee had successfully reconciled all members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), resolving longstanding divisions. Oyinlola remarked, “To the glory of God, we have been able to resolve differences that have been causing our party some headaches within the NWC.”

Mohammed expressed optimism about overcoming the current challenges facing the party. “We are here to discuss crucial internal issues, and we will share outcomes with the media and the public,” he explained. “The purpose of this meeting is to strategize for the party’s future and ensure we provide a solid platform for Nigerians in 2027,” he added.

He reiterated the importance of unity in light of attempts by detractors to divide the party. The meeting saw participation from key party organs, including the PDP Governors’ Forum, Board of Trustees, NWC, National Assembly PDP Caucus, and a forum of former governors.

Despite the successful reconciliation, there were prior attempts to facilitate the NEC meeting through legal means, as a High Court in Abuja had issued a restraining order against holding it. Reports suggest that PDP leaders sought to have the meeting convened through a court in Gusau to navigate what they perceived as bias in Abuja courts.

Meanwhile, support for the current leadership continues to grow, with the Bauchi State PDP Coalition Youth Stakeholders rallying behind acting National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum. Sagir A. Sardauna, the group leader, reaffirmed their support, stating, “We are behind him and declare our total support for our great party’s Acting National Chairman.”