The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated to the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), with allegations that the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and his allies are working to silence dissenting voices within the party.
A party source who spoke with Punch on condition of anonymity, disclosed plans to replace certain BoT members critical of Damagum’s leadership. This development adds to the growing calls for his resignation amidst ongoing party tensions.
Damagum, who assumed the role of acting National Chairman after Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s removal by court order, has faced criticism from various factions of the PDP.
Key party leaders and stakeholders have expressed dissatisfaction with his leadership style and called for reforms.
At the 98th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in April, party leaders approved the formation of a reconciliation and disciplinary committee.
They also tasked the North Central Caucus with consulting on the selection of a permanent National Chairman.
However, subsequent NEC meetings, including those originally scheduled for August, October, and November, have been repeatedly postponed, with no new date in sight.
The PDP Governors Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, has now directed the National Working Committee (NWC) to convene the NEC meeting by February 2025 to address unresolved issues.
Former Senate President and BoT Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, has criticized the NWC for its failure to resolve the party’s crisis.
He further accused the Damagum-led NWC of fostering division within the party, emphasizing the need for unity and accountability.
Reports indicate that Damagum’s faction, backed by allies such as former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), and Agbu Kefas (Taraba), has infiltrated nearly all PDP organs.
A party insider alleged that Damagum’s faction is leveraging its influence to suppress opposition within the BoT and other critical party structures.
He stated, “As we speak, they have taken over almost all organs of the party. Based on how the NWC has been operating for the past two years, I’m sure you know who is behind it. Recently, the Imo State PDP Chairman was appointed as Chairman of the Chairmen Forum, all to serve their purpose. Most NEC members are aligned with them; the only organ left that is critical of their moves is the BoT.
“Already, as we speak, they have also infiltrated the BoT. They are currently plotting to replace some BoT members. The plan is to ensure that the BoT is dominated by their loyalists so that the organ won’t be critical of Damagum’s leadership as it has been in recent times.”
In a related development, a senior NWC member confirmed to Punch that the NWC will meet on Thursday to address party matters.
The NWC member said, “The NWC will meet tomorrow, Thursday, to discuss party matters. We will also engage with the Cross River State chapter regarding the alleged suspension of the chairman. We plan to address a few issues as we wrap up for the year.”
In response, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, stated that the timing for the NEC meeting had been finalised, confirming that a consensus had been reached to hold the NEC in February.
Osadolor, in an interview with Punch, mentioned that today’s meeting will be a routine gathering to discuss party matters.
He stated, “The concerns of everyone calling for NEC are well understood, but the issue of NEC, I think, is well settled because in February, we have agreed we will hold NEC. It is no longer feasible for the main days of December for NEC to be held. NEC requires a lot of logistics, accommodation, transportation, and security arrangements. So, February, as we have proposed for NEC, is a very viable date.
“Party faithful, leaders, and members calling for NEC should be reassured that February is set in stone; nothing will affect the NEC in February.”
On the NWC meeting, he stated, “There is no special agenda for tomorrow’s meeting; it is just a regular NWC meeting, which is part of the ongoing affairs of the party. The only thing I would say is that the NWC should come out with a statement expressing solidarity with Nigerians in the midst of this difficult December.
“We need to make a statement, appeal to the sensibilities of Nigerians, because the way Nigerians are feeling now, we have seen what happened in Syria, we have seen what caused the Arab Spring, the new Armageddons, and this is what we are going through now. So, let’s keep talking to our people to be patient.”