The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues to face internal conflicts, as a new factional leader, Mohammed, assumed the position of Acting National Chairman on Sunday. His appointment follows ongoing disputes within the party, which have persisted since the resignation of the former National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.
Mohammed’s rise to the top leadership role comes despite calls for calm by PDP governors, who urged all factions to set aside their differences. The governors made this appeal after their intervention last Friday, attempting to reconcile the various factions that have divided the party in recent months.
The internal rift began when the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) appointed Umar Iliya Damagum as the Acting National Chairman after Ayu’s resignation. However, Damagum’s leadership has been challenged by some members of the party, leading to further disputes. The emergence of Mohammed as a factional leader adds a new chapter to the ongoing leadership tussle.
In his acceptance statement, Mohammed made a commitment to uphold the party’s constitution and lead with fairness and transparency. He stated, “The NWC under my leadership will be guided strictly by the constitution of our party, and I will at all times be fair to all members, irrespective of their status, position, or state in the party.”
He also acknowledged the challenges the PDP faces as an opposition party, admitting, “We must admit that we have not satisfactorily carried out the critical role expected of a virile opposition in a democracy.” This admission highlights the party’s struggle to unite and effectively oppose the ruling government.
As part of his efforts to strengthen the party, Mohammed issued a directive to the PDP stakeholders in the North-Central geopolitical zone. This region is tasked with nominating a replacement for the national chairmanship position, which became vacant after Ayu’s resignation.
Mohammed’s directive reads: “In line with the provisions of our party’s constitution, the North-central zone, which is constitutionally entitled to produce a replacement to serve out the tenure of the former National Chairman, Sen. Iyorchia Ayu, is hereby requested to urgently meet and forward its nominee to my office for necessary preparation and forwarding for consideration and approval by NEC at the October 24, 2024 meeting.”
