PDP Crisis Deepens: Emergency Meeting Scheduled; See Date
The ongoing turmoil within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has prompted the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, to urge the factional acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, to revert to the previous leadership structure.
According to a senior party official who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the PDP Governors Forum is convening an emergency meeting on Monday to address pressing issues concerning the party’s future. Stakeholders are also considering the formation of a caretaker committee to oversee the party leading up to a National Convention aimed at electing a new National Working Committee.
Since Damagum assumed the role of acting National Chairman following the court removal of Senator Iyorchia Ayu, he has faced mounting criticism from party leaders, leading to calls for his resignation. His inability to effectively manage the party’s affairs has heightened tensions, particularly in Rivers State, where conflicts have arisen between Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
In a recent development, Damagum’s faction announced the suspension of National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade for alleged insubordination. In a swift response, Ologunagba declared that Damagum and National Secretary Sen. Samuel Anyanwu had been suspended for disloyalty, appointing National Treasurer Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as the acting National Chairman.
Sources present during a meeting between Governor Mohammed and Damagum’s faction reported that the governor expressed concern about the party’s situation. He emphasized the need for unity and urged the restoration of the previous status quo to facilitate productive discussions at the next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
Governor Mohammed has called for the emergency meeting to deliberate on these issues, with stakeholders discussing the potential establishment of a caretaker committee to manage party affairs and organize an elective national convention in 2025.
As tensions rise, former National Vice Chairman for the South-West, Eddy Olafeso, stressed the importance of collective responsibility among party members to shape the future of the PDP. He emphasized that the NEC must foster unity and collaboration to strengthen the party.
PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, expressed hope that the upcoming NEC meeting on October 24 will lead to a resolution of leadership and discipline challenges facing the party. He anticipates a more united response to the issues at hand and believes that a frank discussion will pave the way for lasting peace within the PDP.
Attempts to contact the Director General of the PDP Governors Forum, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, and the acting National Publicity Secretary of Damagum’s faction for comment were unsuccessful.
