604
By Myke Agunwa, Abuja
As the tenure of the present National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winds up in December 2025, the party on Thursday inaugurated a zoning committee that will allocate new party positions ahead of its national elective convention.
The 46-member committee is headed by the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, with his Zamfara and Plateau counterparts, Dauda Lawal and Barr. Caleb Muftwang as vice chairman and secretary respectively.
The committee is charged with the responsibility of scouting for a new leadership for the party at it’s zonal convention bill to hold on November 15-16 in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.
In his opening remarks during the inauguration,, the outgoing acting national chairman of the party, Amb. Umar Damagum told members of the committee that their task is similar to that of getting a new engine for the party. He expressed confidence that the committee will be fair while allocating positions to different zones in the country.
He said, “This Committee is the engine room where we lay the political foundation for the leadership of the PDP over the next four years. The decisions you take will shape our ability to serve Nigerians, win elections, and defend the democratic values we represent.
“Our zoning process must reflect fairness, equity, and strategic thinking, as well as strengthen our unity, reward loyalty, and position us for electoral victory. I trust that the Zoning Committee will approach its task with wisdom, foresight, and a full understanding of the bigger picture: PDP over anyone, and PDP above any personal interest.
“We operate in a dynamic political terrain, sometimes turbulent, always demanding the very best from us. In recent times, we have faced challenges in leadership and the departure of some members who chose a different path. Yet we remained standing because the PDP is bigger than any individual, stronger than any momentary setback, and destined to remain a central force in Nigeria’s democratic journey.”
Damagum noted that the next NWC must not only be representative but visionary, courageous, and proactive. He stressed that people who will occupy position of deputies must have leadership qualities as their principal.
“We need leaders of integrity, creativity, and capacity. We must place individuals who inspire confidence, mobilise effectively, and speak to the hopes of Nigerians.
“Please members of this committee, do keep in mind that the deputies are just as important as the principals. I speak from experience. I ran for and won the position of National Deputy Chairman (North). Yet, due to political circumstances, I was thrust into the role of leading our great party nationally.
”It was a drastic and unexpected responsibility; one that demanded resilience, clarity, and decisive leadership. Because I was prepared, because I understood the weight of the storm” he added.
In his acceptance speech, Gov. Diri described the assignment as a huge responsibility that will be handled with commitment and dedication.
The Bayelsa governor assured that the committee will consult, partner with stakeholders of the party and be fair and just in its decisions.
“We will be consultative. We will partner and be inclusive in arriving at a fair and just formula for our party. Thank you for finding us worthy to discharge this assignment and we will do it to the best of our abilities, ” he said.
In his good will message, Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, who doubles as Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, commended the choice of Diri and other members, saying the committee has the capacity and pedigree to handle such an important assignment for the party.
“On behalf of all our governors in the PDP, I express appreciation to all members of our party from the wards to the national level for their sacrifice and contributions.
“Our party has navigated so many booby-traps. We have travelled and covered the long distance and this milestone is worth celebrating with humility and focus.
“The governors are behind the National Working Committee and the desire to reposition our party for Nigerians to have a credible alternative. With experience and foresight, we are moving forward in the right direction.
“Our party has all the legacies and landmarks of democracy. I believe Nigerians are aware that all the major achievements of our country under democratic rule were done by the PDP. The many years of the PDP administration have left fond memories and melancholy. Maybe the loss we have suffered will make us know our limitations and enable us do better.
“I assure that our governors are behind this project of making Nigerians unified by bringing the right leadership that will make them happy” Bala stated.