The ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has culminated in the emergence of two competing national chairmen, reflecting a significant split within the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
This division has been largely fueled by a struggle for dominance over the party’s influence in Rivers State, intensified by recent local government elections sanctioned by the party’s national leadership.
The faction led by acting national chairman Ambassador Illiya Damagum stands in opposition to another faction headed by the party’s national treasurer, Alhaji Yayari Ahmed Mohammed. This fracture within the party was exacerbated by mutual suspensions among key national executives. Damagum’s faction suspended national publicity secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, and national legal adviser Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, citing alleged anti-party activities. In retaliation, the Mohammed-led faction suspended Damagum and national secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
Concerned by the deteriorating situation, the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) has called for reconciliation and urged both factions to revert to the previous state of affairs. Meanwhile, PDP governors maintain that there are no factions within the party, announcing plans for a general meeting of stakeholders to address ongoing issues.
In a significant judicial development, the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a restraining order preventing the National Executive Committee (NEC) and BoT from removing Damagum from his position as acting national chairman. Justice Peter Lifu ruled that until the party’s national convention in December next year, Damagum remains the sole acting chairman.
The conflict has escalated following a BoT meeting, where calls for a review of recent state congresses were made. The board also emphasized the importance of the scheduled NEC meeting on October 24, which will address the party’s internal strife and the situation in Rivers State.
The backdrop of this discord includes the ongoing feud between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Rivers State Governor Fubara regarding control over the Rivers PDP, as well as tensions arising from the recent conduct of local government elections. Despite internal opposition, Wike’s faction urged participation in the election, which the PDP ultimately boycotted, leading to significant losses to the Action Peoples Party (APP).
As the situation develops, suspensions have been a key tactic, with the Damagum faction asserting that Ologunagba and Ajibade acted against the directives of the NWC. Conversely, Ologunagba’s faction has deemed the actions against Damagum and Anyanwu as a breach of party protocol.
In response to the unfolding crisis, the BoT chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has urged a return to unity, emphasizing the party’s long-standing tradition of internal democracy and the necessity of resolving conflicts amicably.
Additionally, the PDP Governors Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, has dismissed the notion of any factional divisions, asserting that the party remains united. Mohammed assured stakeholders that collaborative efforts will be made to resolve internal issues and uphold party cohesion.
In another significant legal ruling, the Federal High Court reiterated that only the national convention can elect new national officers, affirming Damagum’s position until that time. This ruling came as a response to a lawsuit filed by Senator Umar El-Gash Maina, who alleged that clandestine meetings were underway to unseat Damagum in violation of the party’s constitution.
As the dust settles, opposition lawmakers have expressed support for Mohammed’s chairmanship, heralding potential positive changes for the party. However, they remain critical of Damagum’s leadership, alleging connections with the party’s adversaries.
The PDP now stands at a critical juncture, as it seeks to navigate the complexities of leadership, internal discord, and upcoming political challenges.
