An emergency closed-door meeting of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently ongoing at the Bauchi Governors’ Lodge in Abuja, after the sealing of the party’s Secretariat in Zone 5 on the orders of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) led by Nyesom Wike over alleged unpaid ground rent spanning 28 years.

The meeting which aims to address the deepening internal crisis and operational challenges facing the PDP, started by at 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Arise News reports that Wike had withdrawn from peace talks and accused key PDP leaders, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of dishonesty.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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