In a significant move aimed at restoring party discipline that has been noticeably absent in recent years, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the formation of a 26-member disciplinary committee. This important committee will be chaired by the notable Chief Tom Ikimi, who has a long-standing history within the party. The announcement was made public by the National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, during a briefing held in Abuja on Friday.
It is essential to remember that the PDP has faced substantial internal crises since its 2023 Presidential primary elections, a contest in which the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged victorious with 371 votes. He defeated his nearest competitor, Nyesom Wike, the then Governor of Rivers State and now the current minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who garnered 237 votes out of a total of 767. Following this contentious primary, Wike led a faction of five PDP governors who openly campaigned against Atiku’s leadership and the party, creating a divide that the new disciplinary committee aims to address and mend.
The committee, under Chief Ikimi’s leadership, will also include Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, serving as its secretary. In addition to Jegede, other prominent members of the committee will be Ex-Kano State Governor, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, Chief Olabode George from the Board of Trustees (BoT), Rt. Hon. Margaret Icheen also from the BoT, Senator Effiong Bob, as well as the former Acting National Chairman of the Party, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, among several others who bring a wealth of experience and dedication to the party.
As part of the plan for restructuring and reconciliation within the party, Ologunagba announced that the Ikimi-led disciplinary committee is set to be inaugurated alongside the National Reconciliation Committee, which will be chaired by Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola. This significant inauguration is scheduled for Wednesday, August 21, 2024, marking a crucial step towards healing the rifts within the party.
Ologunagba stated emphatically, “Following the approval of the National Executive Committee (NEC), the National Working Committee (NWC) has successfully constituted both the National Reconciliation Committee and the National Disciplinary Committee of our great Party.” This reorganization reflects a commitment to moving forward and re-establishing unity in the PDP.
In related news, the party’s current leadership has faced criticism from various quarters, as highlighted by recent statements. The Delta PDP has indicated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) lacks the credibility to engage in discussions pertaining to debt management, drawing attention to the pressing issues at hand. Furthermore, in the lead-up to the Edo 2024 elections, APC’s southern leaders held meetings to strategize on how to defeat the PDP, reflecting the ongoing political rivalries in the region.
The urgency of the moment is crystallized in the ongoing calls for fundamental change, as articulated by members of the Abundant Nigeria Citizenship (ADC), who emphasize that protests alone are insufficient and advocate for decisive action to remove both the APC and PDP from power.
Back to the upcoming inauguration, Ologunagba urged all leaders, key stakeholders, and the numerous supporters of the PDP to maintain their focus and dedication to the overarching vision, principles, and aspirations of the party. He underscored the importance of collective efforts for the holistic growth, development, and stability of the PDP as well as the nation as a whole, laying the groundwork for a more united future within the party and beyond.
