The internal crisis rocking Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has now engulfed its Board of Trustees (BoT), as factions within the party push for dominance. At the center of the controversy is the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, whose leadership continues to face intense scrutiny.
Sources within the party revealed plans to reshuffle BoT members critical of Damagum’s administration, further fueling tensions. A party insider, speaking anonymously, disclosed, “There is a calculated effort to ensure the BoT aligns with the current leadership, eliminating dissenting voices.”
NWC to Address Critical Party Issues
The PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) is scheduled to meet today to deliberate on pressing party matters. This comes against the backdrop of mounting criticism of Damagum’s leadership since his assumption of office after Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s removal by the court.
Efforts to stabilize the party have faced delays, with key decisions such as the appointment of a permanent National Chairman still pending. The North Central Caucus had been tasked with proposing a successor, but progress has been stalled by unresolved internal conflicts.
The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings have also faced repeated postponements, with the latest date now set for February 2025. Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who chairs the PDP Governors Forum, has urged the NWC to expedite plans for the NEC to address lingering issues.
BoT Criticism and Opposition Factions
The BoT, led by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, has been vocal in its criticism of the Damagum-led NWC. Wabara has called for immediate action to nominate a permanent chairman and resolve internal disputes.
Meanwhile, a faction aligned with former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and other influential governors has reportedly gained significant control over party organs. The group’s influence has extended to the BoT, with reports suggesting moves to replace critical members with loyalists.
A party source noted, “The Damagum camp, with backing from Wike and governors such as Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), and Agbu Kefas (Taraba), is consolidating power across party structures. Their strategy includes sidelining dissenters to maintain dominance.”
Routine Meeting or Strategic Move?
The NWC member Timothy Osadolor downplayed the significance of today’s meeting, describing it as a routine gathering to discuss ongoing party affairs. However, he assured party members that February’s NEC meeting would proceed as planned to address unresolved grievances.
“There’s no special agenda for today’s meeting,” Osadolor said. “It’s part of the routine activities of the NWC. However, we will continue to reassure our members that the NEC meeting in February is set in stone.”
Osadolor also emphasized the need for the PDP to remain connected to Nigerians during difficult economic times, urging leaders to address public concerns with empathy.
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