The leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated, with two factions now battling for control of the opposition party.
On Monday, new factional acting National Chairman, Yayari Mohammed, challenged the rival group led by Umar Damagum to address the growing security concerns within the party.
This clash comes as the PDP continues to struggle with internal conflicts that have been ongoing since 2022, leading to a deep divide in its National Working Committee (NWC).
The party’s internal crisis took a dramatic turn last Friday when it split into two opposing factions. Yayari Mohammed and Umar Damagum, both claiming to be the legitimate acting National Chairman, now head each faction.
The division stems from the suspension of the National Legal Adviser, Adeyemi Ajibade, and the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, by the Damagum-led faction. They were replaced by Ibrahim Abdullahi and Okechukwu Osuoha in acting capacities.
In response, Debo Ologunagba, representing the opposing faction, announced the suspension of Damagum and the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu.
The suspensions have fueled tensions between the two groups, with both sides accusing each other of disregarding the party’s constitution.
Adding to the confusion, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that Umar Damagum should remain the acting National Chairman until the party’s convention in December 2025.
Justice Peter Lifu issued an order preventing any attempts to remove Damagum from his position, reinforcing his authority.
At a press conference on Monday, Ibrahim Abdullahi, now acting National Publicity Secretary, warned the Mohammed faction to respect the court’s decision.
He stated, “We must ensure that certain actions are not guided by sentiments and personal interests, but by the party’s constitution.
“In the face of this reckless violation of a subsisting court order, we are left with no option but to deploy the services of security agencies to enforce the rule of law.”
Abdullahi added that to enhance the learning process of party leadership and administration, members must ensure that actions were based on the party’s constitution and existing guidelines, rather than influenced by “sentiments and personal interests.”
He added, “Let all concerned know that the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, my humble self, now acting National Publicity Secretary and Deputy National Legal Adviser and now Acting National Legal Adviser assumed office following the Decision of the NWC; and it is in line with the PDP Constitution (2017 as Amended) following the absence of our substantive officers. It is made abundantly clear in Section 40(2) and 42(2).
“It is therefore distasteful for a leader who ought to inform the uninformed but instead goes ahead to misinform on a national television and other media channels that our assumption of office in acting capacity is unconstitutional and does not exist. Why?
“Furthermore, we are constrained to express our utter disgust and disappointment in our colleagues’ resort to motor park approach to a mere suspension aimed at providing them with the opportunity to clear themselves of certain allegations against them.
“Although we have detailed knowledge of the drummers, the masqueraders should have been guided in their dance steps to avert stripping themselves naked on the stage.”
However, Yayari Mohammed expressed little concern over these threats. In an interview with PUNCH, he stated that his faction had submitted their views to the party’s key organs, including the PDP Governors’ Forum and the Board of Trustees.
He stated, “We have submitted all our positions and views to the organs of the party: the governors’ forum, the Board of Trustees, and other members of the party. We have expressed our concerns and reasons for our stance.
“They have assured us that they will take a position and get back to us. Therefore, we are not worried about any threats; they should go ahead and carry out theirs.
“We have expressed our concerns clearly. The party’s constitution should be obeyed, and that is our demand.
“I am also sure that from now till Friday our leaders will get back to us. We will listen to them and not to threats.”
Meanwhile, PDP governors have also been drawn into the dispute. The PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, held an emergency meeting on Monday, but the discussions ended without a resolution. The meeting will resume on Tuesday as the governors attempt to mediate and find a solution to the crisis.
The governors themselves are divided, with seven, led by Governor Bala Mohammed, pushing for the removal of Damagum, while four others, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, oppose his ouster. Two governors have chosen to remain neutral in the conflict.
The PDP had planned to hold a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on October 24 to elect a new national chairman, but the recent developments may force the party to appoint a caretaker committee to manage its affairs until December 2025.
Despite the rising tensions, party chieftain Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse has downplayed the situation, describing it as a power struggle typical of political parties. He reassured that the PDP would not collapse due to this disagreement.
