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A planned emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is threatening an event where Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida is to formally declare his intention to run in next year’s presidential election.

Both events are scheduled to hold on the same day, Wednesday, September 15, 2010, in Abuja. While the declaration, which was announced long before now, comes up at about 11.00 am at Eagles Square, the PDP emergency NEC meeting comes up at about 12.00 pm at Wadata Plaza, the party’s National Headquarters.

As at the time of going to the press, it was not known whether the events came up at about the same time as a mere co-incidence or an attempt to scuttle one with the other.

However, a text message sent out late Monday and received by NEXT correspondent from the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Rufai Alkali, called on every official to be punctual at the meeting.

It stated: “An emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 15th September 2010. Venue: National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja. Time: 12.00 noon. All NEC members are invited to attend on time.”

If both events hold as planned, it is unlikely the top echelon of the party will be available to witness Mr. Babangida’s declaration.

On Monday afternoon, when NEXT visited Eagles Square where Mr. Babangida’s declaration is expected to take place, preparation was in top gear with different technical men working to put the big stage in place.