PDP Gov’s Meeting Ends in Stalemate, Factional Chairmen Clash Deepens

PDP chieftain Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse downplayed the crisis, describing it as a routine power tussle common in political parties.

Abuja, Nigeria – The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened, as new factional acting National Chairman, Yayari Mohammed, has challenged the rival National Working Committee (NWC) led by Umar Damagum over security threats.

At a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Ibrahim Abdullahi, acting National Publicity Secretary of the Damagum-led faction, warned that security measures could be deployed to enforce the rule of law.

This latest escalation follows months of internal disputes within the party, which have divided its leadership since 2022. The crisis took a turn on Friday when the PDP split into two factions, with Yayari Mohammed and Umar Damagum leading rival groups.

Tensions heightened when Damagum’s faction suspended the National Legal Adviser, Adeyemi Ajibade, and National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, following a Thursday meeting. In their place, Ibrahim Abdullahi and Okechukwu Osuoha were appointed in acting capacities. In response, Ologunagba’s faction suspended Damagum and the National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu.

On the same day, a Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that Damagum must remain the acting national chairman until the PDP convention scheduled for December 2025. The court also ordered that no other individual should be recognized in this position. Addressing this, Abdullahi warned the Mohammed faction against disregarding the ruling and emphasized that party actions must follow constitutional guidelines.

Despite Abdullahi’s warnings, Mohammed, in an exclusive interview, stated that his group would await further direction from party leaders, expressing confidence that a resolution would come soon.

Meanwhile, a Zoom meeting of PDP governors on Monday, chaired by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, failed to resolve the ongoing conflict. The meeting, which included governors pushing for Damagum’s removal, was adjourned to Tuesday.

A split has emerged among the governors, with seven, including Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, supporting Damagum’s ouster, while four, led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, oppose it. Two governors, Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, remain neutral.

The party had previously scheduled a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for October 24 to elect a new substantive national chairman to complete the term of former chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, while Damagum was expected to return to his previous role as National Vice Chairman (North).

PDP chieftain Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse downplayed the crisis, describing it as a routine power tussle common in political parties. He expressed confidence that the party would resolve the dispute before the upcoming NEC meeting.