PDP crisis deepens as factional leaders clash over security threats

The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Monday as newly declared factional acting National Chairman, Yayari Mohammed, challenged the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) to address alleged security threats from his camp.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, Ibrahim Abdullahi, the acting National Publicity Secretary of the Damagum-led faction, warned that security measures could be taken against Mohammed’s faction to maintain order amid the ongoing dispute.

The PDP has been embroiled in internal turmoil since 2022, with the party’s leadership splintering into factions last Friday. The rift saw Mohammed and Damagum each claiming to lead the party.

The conflict intensified after the NWC, led by Damagum, suspended the party’s National Legal Adviser, Adeyemi Ajibade, and National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, following its 593rd meeting on Thursday. In response, Abdullahi and Okechukwu Osuoha were appointed to replace the suspended officials in acting capacities.

However, Ologunagba countered by announcing the suspension of Damagum and PDP National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, citing multiple complaints raised against them.

A Federal High Court in Abuja further complicated the crisis by ruling that the NEC and the Board of Trustees must not remove Damagum as acting chairman. Justice Peter Lifu, delivering the ruling via Zoom, declared that only Damagum could serve as the party’s acting national chairman until its convention scheduled for December 2025.

At the press conference, Abdullahi warned Mohammed’s faction against defying the court order recognizing Damagum as the legitimate leader.

“We must ensure that decisions are guided by the party’s constitution, not sentiments or personal interests,” Abdullahi stated.

“In light of the reckless violation of the court order, we may be forced to engage security agencies to uphold the rule of law.”

He added that party leaders must act according to the PDP constitution, stressing that his assumption of office as acting Publicity Secretary was lawful under Sections 40(2) and 42(2) of the PDP Constitution.

“It is unfortunate for a leader to misinform the public through national media that our appointments are unconstitutional,” Abdullahi said. “We are equally disappointed in the motor park approach taken by suspended officials instead of addressing the allegations against them with dignity.”

However, in reports in a section of the media, Mohammed dismissed Abdullahi’s threats, stating that his faction would focus on party resolutions rather than engage in hostilities.

He reportedly said his faction’s stance has been communicated to the party’s governors, the Board of Trustees, and other key stakeholders, adding that they await their response.

The crisis has divided the PDP governors, with seven governors, including Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed and Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), supporting Damagum’s removal.

In contrast, four governors—Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), and Agbu Kefas (Taraba)—oppose Damagum’s ouster. Meanwhile, two governors, Peter Mbah (Enugu) and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), have chosen to remain neutral.

The PDP had earlier scheduled a NEC meeting for October 24 to elect a new chairman to complete the tenure of former National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu. Damagum was expected to return to his role as National Vice Chairman (North) after the meeting.

Reports indicate that PDP governors are considering appointing a caretaker committee to manage the party until the tenure of the current NWC expires in December 2025.

Meanwhile, PDP chieftain Dr Adetokunbo Pearse dismissed concerns that the ongoing power struggle would destabilise the party.

“This is not a crisis but a typical power tussle seen in political parties worldwide,” Pearse said. “The party has consistently maintained that a substantive national chairman will emerge from the same zone as Ayu during the upcoming NEC meeting on October 24.”

As the PDP governors reconvene on Tuesday, efforts will focus on brokering a compromise to end the leadership standoff and restore stability within the party.