The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has fixed Tuesday, October 28, for the screening of aspirants seeking positions in its National Working Committee (NWC) ahead of the party’s elective national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The announcement was made on Thursday by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, who serves as Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC). He also disclosed that Monday, October 27, is the deadline for the submission of completed Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms at the committee’s secretariat.
According to Fintiri, the screening exercise will take place at Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja, beginning at 2 p.m., while the Screening Appeal session has been scheduled for Thursday, October 30.
He urged all aspirants and party stakeholders to take note of the timelines and comply accordingly.
However, the announcement comes amid mounting internal tension within the PDP ahead of the convention.
Supporters of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the leadership of Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, citing disputes over the control of the party structure in the South-South and disagreements on zoning arrangements for key positions.
The internal wrangling has also spilled into the courts, as PDP chairmen from Imo and Abia States have filed a lawsuit against the Damagum-led NWC, accusing it of breaching the party’s constitution. The case, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, has faced challenges over legal representation and is expected to be decided on October 30.
Meanwhile, National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has denied signing the INEC notification letter for the convention and called for an investigation by security agencies. The party, however, dismissed his claim, a move that has further deepened concerns about the forgery allegations, factional disputes, and court cases that may threaten the smooth conduct of the upcoming convention.
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