Governor Bala Mohammed has spoken out on the escalating crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), urging for unity and dialogue to resolve the internal disputes.
As the crisis within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) intensifies, Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, has dismissed claims about factions forming within the party.
Mohammed made this statement when the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, accompanied by PDP Chairmen from the North East, visited him at Government House in Bauchi on Friday. This event took place amidst reports of Damagum’s suspension.
Reports emerged indicating that a segment of the PDP’s National Working Committee had suspended Damagum and the National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, due to alleged disloyalty to the party. They also announced Ahmed Yayari from Gombe State as Damagum’s successor.
Previously, a group within the NWC that supports Damagum also declared the suspension of Kamaldeen Ajibade, the National Legal Adviser, and Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary. These suspensions were due to alleged disloyalty to the party.
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Despite these suspensions, Governor Mohammed insisted that the party stayed united and fully capable of resolving its internal issues.
“We have had extensive discussions with the acting National Chairman about these situations and reached an agreement to collaborate with other party bodies—including the BOT, members of the Governors’ Forum, as well as the Caucuses in both the Senate and House—to address all these issues. This is a key outcome of this visit,” he stated while speaking to journalists after their closed-door meeting.
Mohammed assured that the organization would strengthen its stockholdings and collaboration to address any issues affecting members.
He characterized the claims of party disloyalty against Damagum and a rumored scheme to impeach him (Governor Mohammed) as Chairman of the Governors’ Forum as mere perceptions.
“This is simply a result of body language,” he stated.
“We’ve covered all aspects of relationships, interrelations, and disagreements and have agreed that from now on we will prevent any gaps.”
He regretted his dispute with Damagum, acknowledging that it had been costly for both parties.
“I took a stance opposing him, and naturally, this led to the negative reactions we’re witnessing. We have now decided that moving forward we will not allow such behavior,” he said.
He criticized journalists for fabricating nonexistent divisions within the PDP.
“We do not acknowledge any faction,” he stated firmly.
As a united party, we are committed to resolving all our issues.
There are no divisions within the PDP.
“That’s the benefit of the doubt that Damgum extended to me by coming and agreeing with our plan.”
“The final decision is not up to just the two of us; it also involves other stakeholders within the PDP Governors’ Forum, as well as members of the BOT, party caucus, and additional key figures,” he added.
