PDP Crisis: Party Summons Emergency Meeting to Address Ongoing Turmoil

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is set to hold an emergency meeting on Monday to address the deepening crisis within the party. This move comes as the party continues to grapple with internal conflicts and power struggles, particularly since Umar Damagum took over as the acting National Chairman following the court removal of Senator Iyorchia Ayu.

The Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has called for calm and urged Damagum’s faction to revert to the status quo. This appeal was made during a meeting between Governor Mohammed and Damagum’s team on Friday, where the governor emphasized the need to restore unity within the National Working Committee (NWC) and allow the National Executive Committee (NEC) to address the issues at its next meeting.

The crisis has intensified with the suspension of key party officials. Damagum’s faction of the NWC suspended National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) for alleged insubordination and anti-party activities. In a swift countermove, Ologunagba announced the suspension of Damagum and National Secretary Sen. Samuel Anyanwu for alleged disloyalty, appointing National Treasurer Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as the acting National Chairman.

The ongoing tensions, particularly in Rivers State between Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, have further complicated the situation. The PDP Governors Forum is considering the establishment of a caretaker committee to manage the party’s affairs and organize an elective national convention in 2025 to elect a new NWC. This proposal is driven by the belief that current reconciliation efforts may not yield the desired collaboration among the current NWC members.

Former National Vice Chairman for the South-West of the PDP, Eddy Olafeso, has emphasized the collective responsibility of party members in ensuring the future of the PDP. He stressed the importance of the NEC in fostering unity and collaboration among party members to create a stronger foundation for the party.

The upcoming 99th NEC meeting on October 24 is also expected to play a crucial role in addressing these internal issues. PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, expressed optimism that the NEC will engage in a moment of truth during the meeting, resolving leadership and discipline challenges and leading to lasting peace within the party.