The ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) shows no signs of resolution, as the internal discord has led to a significant split among governors elected on the party’s platform.
The turmoil escalated on Friday when the PDP’s national leadership fractured into two factions, with Yayari Mohammed and Umar Damagum leading each side.
This division follows the controversial suspension of the party’s National Legal Adviser, Adeyemi Ajibade, and National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, by the Damagum faction during the 593rd meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC).
In the wake of the leadership upheaval, Abdullahi and Okechukwu Osuoha were appointed to fill the roles of the suspended officials in acting capacities.
However, the situation intensified further when Ologunagba announced the suspension of Damagum and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, citing numerous complaints against them.
Prior to these disruptive suspensions, the PDP had scheduled a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for October 24, intending to elect a substantive national chairman to complete the tenure of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu. Under this arrangement, Damagum was expected to revert to his position as National Vice Chairman (North).
According to Punch, the move to remove Damagum has split the PDP governors, with the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, leading six other governors pushing for Damagum’s ouster.
With Mohammed are Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki; Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri; Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara; Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno.
Meanwhile, four other governors, led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, are opposed to Damagum’s removal.
Others with Makinde are Governors Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, and Agbu Kefas of Taraba State.
However, two out of the 13 governors are neutral. They are Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State.