The Shake-up in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Staff of PDP Secretariat Back Governors' Decision, Approval of Koshoedo as Acting Secretary by NEC
The leadership turmoil within the PDP has escalated as staff from the party's National Secretariat have publicly expressed their backing for the PDP Governors' Forum and the National Working Committee (NWC) in sanctioning Architect Setonji Koshoedo as the interim National Secretary. This decision, as they see it, is a strategic move to bolster party unity, strengthen internal operations, and rebuild trust. They also implore Senator Samuel Anyanwu to accept this change in good faith, emphasizing on the unity of the party.
Speaking at a press conference held at the party headquarters in Abuja, the Director of Administration, Engr Gurama Bawa, explained their stance.
"In a consensus meeting, the management and staff of the PDP National Secretariat have unanimously pledged their allegiance to the recommendation of the PDP Governor's Forum, as affirmed by the NWC, in recognizing Arch Setonji Koshoedo as the interim National Secretary of our party." Bawa said.
He underlined the necessity of this decision for reestablishing trust and ensuring streamlined party operations. According to Bawa, "We firmly believe that the NWC's authorization for Arch Setonji Koshoedo to serve as National Secretary is crucial for the rebuilding of trust among party members and the ensuring of smooth party procedures, taking into account the sensitive nature of the National Secretary's role in a political party."
Bawa also clarified the legality of Koshoedo's appointment, stating, "We are well-aware that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has acknowledged Arch Setonji Koshoedo as the interim National Secretary of the PDP."
He added, "We are also aware that INEC is dealing with and considering correspondence from our party that bears Arch Setonji Koshoedo's signature, contradicting false reports circulated by some quarters."
Focusing on Senator Anyanwu, the staff recognized his past accomplishments but urged caution and party-centric thinking. "As PDP staff, we recognize and esteem the roles and contributions Senator Anyanwu has made for the growth and success of the party, particularly in matters concerning staff welfare, but at this juncture, we firmly believe that there is no feat too grand for any individual to accomplish for the overall well-being of our party," Bawa said.
He continued, "The PDP provided him the platform from which he ascended from Local Government Chairman to Senator, and was also elected as the National Secretary of our Party."
The staff also urged the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, to ensure that the scheduled National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting transpires as planned.
"The PDP staff request Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum to undertake all necessary measures to ensure that the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Party takes place as scheduled on May, 27, 2025, enabling the party to address all relevant matters and reassert its core values of unity, discipline, loyalty, and unwavering adherence to the Constitution of our great Party," Bawa concluded.
Interesting tidbits
- The backing of Arch. Setonji Koshoedo could help bridge internal rifts, as it showcases a unified front against internal conflicts and promotes cohesiveness within the party.
- The appointment's legitimacy is underscored by its alignment with Section 36(2) of the PDP Constitution, enabling the Deputy National Secretary to act as National Secretary when instructed.
- The acknowledgment of Koshoedo by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) provides external credibility and fortifies the party's structure.
However, challenges continue to linger, such as the Southeast PDP's threat to withdraw over the recognition of Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary, which could potentially destabilize the party. Despite this endorsement, the PDP's internal issues are far from being fully resolved.
- The staff from the PDP National Secretariat have announced their support for Arch Setonji Koshoedo, the interim National Secretary, as a strategic move to promote unity, strengthen operations, and rebuild trust within the party.
- Engr Gurama Bawa, the Director of Administration at the PDP National Secretariat, explains that the unanimous decision to recognize Koshoedo as the interim National Secretary is essential for reestablishing trust among party members and ensuring smooth party procedures.
- Bawa also mentions that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has acknowledged Arch Setonji Koshoedo as the interim National Secretary of the PDP, adding external credibility to the party's structure.
- As the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, is asked to facilitate the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled on May 27, 2025, to address party issues and reinforce the PDP's core values.
- Despite the potential benefits of Arch Setonji Koshoedo's endorsement, the PDP still faces internal challenges, such as the threat by the Southeast PDP to withdraw over another issue, which could potentially destabilize the party.
