Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are set to hold a critical meeting today, Monday, in an attempt to resolve the escalating leadership crisis that has engulfed the party. The tension reached new heights on Friday after the party’s leadership took drastic actions, resulting in the suspension and counter-suspension of top officials.
The turmoil began when the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, announced the suspension of the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN. Hours later, a faction aligned with Ajibade retaliated by suspending Damagum and the National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, further deepening the rift within the party.
The conflict intensified with the emergence of Alhaji Yayari Mohammed as a factional National Chairman of the PDP, a move that has been supported by Atiku Abubakar’s camp. Despite a court order preventing Damagum’s removal, Mohammed, who is aligned with the former Vice President, officially assumed office on Sunday.
The PDP’s internal struggle has become a power battle between loyalists of Atiku and those supporting the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Damagum, who enjoys the backing of at least four governors, is a key figure in Wike’s camp, while Mohammed has the support of six governors.
Reports suggest that out of the 13 PDP governors, two have remained neutral, refusing to align with either faction. These governors will play a pivotal role in today’s emergency meeting, which is being convened to address the ongoing crisis.
The meeting’s outcome is critical to the future of the PDP, as failure to reach a resolution could lead to further divisions, weakening the party’s unity and potentially causing irreparable damage. Both camps are keen to avoid a complete breakdown, but the stakes are high as the party seeks to regain stability after a tumultuous period following the 2023 general elections.
