PDP plans NEC meeting after S’Court judgment on petition

In the aftermath of Thursday’s Supreme Court judgment, which affirmed the victory of President Bola Tinubu, leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party have commenced moves to restructure the party with plans to convene its 98th National Executive Committee meeting soon.

The last NEC meeting of the party was convened by the sacked Chairman of the PDP, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, on September 8, 2022.

Sunday PUNCH gathered on Friday that the party leaders were insisting on the NEC meeting to chart the way forward and reposition the PDP.

It was learnt that the meeting could not be held before now because of the petition filed by the PDP presidential candidate in the last election, Atiku Abubakar, to challenge Tinubu’s victory at the Presidential Election Petition Court and later at the Supreme Court.

Atiku lost his case at the PEPC on September 6 and the appeal he filed at the Supreme Court on Thursday, putting an end to his presidential ambition for now.

 A high-ranking member of the PDP NWC, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the 98th NEC meeting would be held after due consultation.

The source told Sunday PUNCH that party leaders were currently consulting to agree on a date for the meeting and some issues that would be discussed.

With party members and supporters now resigned to remaining in opposition for at least another four years, lawmakers in the House of Representatives elected on the PDP platform want the leadership of the party to do everything possible to promote internal democracy within its ranks.

Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the lawmaker representing the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Osun State, Oluwole Oke, said the judgment of the Supreme Court had left the PDP in a lowly position, but called on members to quickly move on from the setback.

Similarly, the member representing the Jaba/Zangon Kataf Federal Constituency, Kaduna State, Amos Magaji, advised members of the party not to despair over the loss at the Supreme Court, noting that despite the development at the apex court, the PDP remained a strong party across the country.

Meanwhile Atiku will on Monday, address a press conference on the Supreme Court judgement.