The ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP deepens as factional chairmen clash, with governors failing to mediate and bring an end to the escalating tensions.
Amidst the ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party, Yayari Mohammed, the new factional acting National Chairman, has urged Umar Damagum’s opposing National Working Committee to address their security concerns.
At a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Ibrahim Abdullahi, the acting National Publicity Secretary of the Damagum-led NWC faction, cautioned that security measures might be taken against Mohammed’s faction to uphold the rule of law amid ongoing internal disputes.
Since 2022, the opposition party has been entangled in an internal crisis that has divided its National Working Committee (NWC).
The crisis within the PDP intensified on Friday as its national leadership split into two factions, one led by Yayari Mohammed and the other by acting national chairman Umar Damagum.
The PDP became factionalized following the suspension of its National Legal Adviser, Adeyemi Ajibade, and National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba. This decision was made by a faction of the NWC headed by Damagum on Friday after their 593rd meeting on Thursday.
The faction appointed Ibrahim Abdullahi and Okechukwu Osuoha to temporarily replace the pair.
However, in response, the National Publicity Secretary, Ologunagba announced that Damagum and the National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, have been suspended by the NWC following a series of complaints lodged against them.
On that same day, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order preventing the NEC, the party’s highest decision-making body, and the Board of Trustees from removing Damagum as acting national chairman.
In a judgment delivered via Zoom, Justice Peter Lifu ruled that only Damagum should be acknowledged as the PDP’s acting national chairman until the party holds its convention in December 2025.
At the press conference on Monday, Abdullahi referred to the court order and cautioned the Mohammed group against defying the judgment that recognizes Damagum as the legitimate party chairman.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring that actions are driven by the party’s constitution rather than influenced by emotions and personal interests.
“Due to this blatant disregard for an existing court order, we have no choice but to call upon security agencies to uphold the rule of law.”
Abdullahi emphasized that improving the learning process of party leadership and administration requires members to base their actions on the party’s constitution and existing guidelines, rather than allowing sentiments and personal interests to influence them.
He stated, “Please be informed that I, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary and now Acting National Publicity Secretary, along with the Deputy National Legal Adviser who is also now serving as Acting National Legal Adviser, have assumed these roles following a decision by the NWC. This action aligns with the PDP Constitution (2017 as Amended) due to our primary officers being unavailable. This transition is clearly outlined in Sections 40(2) and 42(2).”
It is, therefore, troubling that a leader who should be educating the public instead chooses to mislead them on national television and other media platforms by claiming that our temporary assumption of office is unconstitutional and lacks legitimacy. Why act in such a manner?
Additionally, we feel compelled to express our deep disappointment and disapproval of our colleagues’ choice to approach their suspension—which is simply an opportunity for them to address certain allegations—as if it were a chaotic scene at a bus station.
While we have extensive knowledge of the drummers, guidance for the masqueraders in their dance steps could have prevented them from inadvertently revealing too much on stage.
In an exclusive interview on Monday, the new factional chairman Mohammed expressed that they would prioritize following the guidance of party leaders over reacting to threats.
He mentioned, “We have presented all our positions and perspectives to the party’s bodies: the governors’ forum, the Board of Trustees, and other members. We have communicated our concerns and reasons for our stance.”
“They have promised to take a stance and update us. As a result, we are not concerned about any threats; they should feel free to proceed with their actions.”
We have clearly expressed our concerns and demand that the party’s constitution be upheld.
“I’m confident that between now and Friday, our leaders will respond to us. We will focus on listening to them rather than heeding threats.”
Meanwhile, the governors elected under the PDP postponed their meeting about the crisis to Tuesday (today) after failing to reach a compromise during Monday’s session.
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A national officer of the party, preferring to remain anonymous due to a lack of authorization to discuss the issue publicly, confirmed that the PDP Governors Forum meeting—conducted via Zoom and led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed—was not concluded.
He mentioned, “The meeting began around 5 p.m., but they were unable to finish it on Monday. They will resume tomorrow (Tuesday).”
Following the intensification of the party’s internal crisis over the weekend, the governors scheduled an emergency meeting for Monday.
The initiative to oust Damagum has caused a division among the PDP governors. Bala Mohammed, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, is spearheading this effort along with six other governors supporting Damagum’s removal.
Accompanying Mohammed are the governors of various states: Ademola Adeleke from Osun State, Godwin Obaseki from Edo State, Douye Diri from Bayelsa State, Siminalayi Fubara from Rivers State, Sheriff Oborevwori from Delta State, and Umo Eno from Akwa Ibom State.
Meanwhile, four other governors, headed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, are against the removal of Damagum.
Joining Makinde are Governors Ahmadu Fintiri from Adamawa State, Caleb Mutfwang from Plateau State, and Agbu Kefas from Taraba State.
Of the 13 governors, two maintain a neutral stance: Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State.
Prior to the suspensions that shook the PDP on Friday, the party had planned a NEC meeting for October 24 to elect a new national chairman to finish Dr. Iyorchia Ayu’s term. Meanwhile, Damagum was anticipated to return to his role as National Vice Chairman (North).
The state governors were contemplating appointing a caretaker committee to manage the party’s affairs until December 2025, when the current National Working Committee’s term would end.
However, after Monday’s inconclusive online meeting, the PDP governors are aiming to reach a compromise on the crisis today.
In the meantime, Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, a leader within the party, has stated that the present circumstances in the party’s national structure are not indicative of a crisis but rather represent a power struggle typical among political parties worldwide.
