PDP Leadership Clash Escalates as Governors Struggle to Resolve Internal Crisis

PDP factions clash as governors fail to resolve leadership disputes, deepening the internal crisis within the party

The ongoing PDP leadership crisis deepened as two rival factions, led by acting National Chairmen Yayari Mohammed and Umar Damagum, continued to clash over the control of the party. Despite intervention efforts by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governors, the dispute remains unresolved, with tensions escalating between the factions.

The PDP leadership crisis escalated on Friday when the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) split into two camps following the suspension of key officials. Adeyemi Ajibade, the National Legal Adviser, and Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary, were suspended by the Damagum-led faction, which then appointed Ibrahim Abdullahi and Okechukwu Osuoha to act in their places. In response, Ologunagba announced the suspension of Damagum and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, citing complaints against them.

In the midst of this PDP leadership crisis, a Federal High Court issued an order on Friday, recognizing Umar Damagum as the legitimate acting chairman. The court ruled that no other individual should be acknowledged as the PDP acting chairman until the party’s national convention in December 2025. This decision heightened the tensions between the factions, as Yayari Mohammed and his group expressed their refusal to abide by the court’s ruling, further fueling the crisis.

Ibrahim Abdullahi, the acting National Publicity Secretary for the Damagum faction, addressed the media on Monday, warning of possible security measures if the Mohammed faction continued to disobey the court’s judgment. He emphasized that the actions of the party must align with the constitution, not personal interests.

The PDP leadership crisis is now at a critical point, with both factions accusing each other of acting unconstitutionally. Yayari Mohammed, in a separate interview, stated that his faction is awaiting feedback from party leaders, who have promised to mediate and resolve the crisis. He reiterated his faction’s demand for adherence to the party’s constitution and expressed confidence that the governors and Board of Trustees would address the concerns soon.

On Monday, the PDP Governors’ Forum met via Zoom to discuss the PDP leadership crisis but failed to reach a compromise. Led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, the meeting was adjourned to Tuesday, with hopes of finding a resolution. However, the governors themselves appear divided, with seven governors, including Ademola Adeleke and Godwin Obaseki, pushing for Damagum’s removal, while others like Seyi Makinde of Oyo State oppose the move.

As the PDP leadership crisis drags on, it remains uncertain whether the party can achieve a resolution that satisfies both factions. Party insiders have hinted at the possibility of appointing a caretaker committee to manage the PDP’s affairs until the next convention in December 2025.