The Peoples Democratic Party crisis persists, with Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, urging factional acting National Chairman Umar Damagum to revert to the status quo.
A senior party member revealed that the PDP Governors Forum has called an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss various concerns regarding the party’s future.
According to The PUNCH, the source, who wished to remain anonymous, disclosed that stakeholders are considering establishing a caretaker committee to guide the party toward a National Convention in 2025 to elect a new National Working Committee. This comes after Damagum faced criticism from party leaders, leading to calls for his resignation.
Recall that Damagum became acting National Chairman following Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s court removal. However, his leadership has been marred by controversy, particularly in Rivers State, where Governor Sim Fubara and Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, are embroiled in a tense political situation.
On Friday, Damagum’s faction of the NWC announced the suspension of National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade for alleged insubordination and anti-party activities. Through the party’s National Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom, the faction made the announcement.
In response, Ologunagba issued a statement suspending Damagum and National Secretary Sen. Samuel Anyanwu for alleged disloyalty. He appointed National Treasurer Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as the acting National Chairman.
According to the source, Governor Bala Mohammed is concerned about the situation. During his meeting with Damagum’s team on Friday, Mohammed urged calm and a return to the status quo.
The governor stated, “Governor Bala Mohammed is worried about the situation… During his meeting with Damagum’s team on Friday, he welcomed them and called for calm. The governor urged them to restore the status quo to keep the NWC unified and allow the NEC to address the issues at its next meeting.”
The source added, “To tackle these concerns, I understand that the governors have called an emergency meeting for Monday. Some stakeholders are discussing the possibility of appointing a new caretaker committee to manage the party’s affairs and organize an elective national convention in 2025 to usher in new NWC.”
Ahead of the PDP’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting on October 24th, party members are seeking significant actions to realign the PDP.
Former National Vice Chairman Eddy Olafeso emphasized the shared responsibility of the party’s future, stressing the NEC’s role in fostering unity.
Olafeso said, “The future of this party is a collective responsibility that requires the commitment of all members. I expect the NEC to play a crucial role in uniting everyone and fostering collaboration. By working together, we can create a stronger foundation for the PDP. It is essential for the NEC to continue building a formidable party that is well-prepared for future challenges.”
PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor hopes the NEC meeting will address leadership and discipline challenges.
Osadolor stated, “Well, from the NEC, I expect a more united response to some of the issues. I also expect that some hard truths will be told in the meeting, and the leaders of the party will ensure that the PDP comes out better and stronger after we resolve all internal issues that are causing concern.”
He added, “I also believe that the issues of leadership and discipline will be addressed by this NEC, as the committee tasked with some of these responsibilities will provide a report that will enable the NEC to take decisive actions. Once all these are accomplished, I believe that lasting peace will emerge from this frank and robust discussion.”