Governors elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have taken decisive action to address the ongoing leadership crisis within the party. Following a two-day meeting, they nullified recent suspensions and counter-suspensions issued by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and called for a return to the status quo until a permanent resolution is achieved.
Key Developments in the Crisis
The conflict began when the Amb. Umar Damagum-led NWC suspended National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade SAN for alleged abuse of office and insubordination. In retaliation, Ologunagba and Ajibade announced the suspension of Damagum and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, citing their involvement in anti-party activities and the political crisis in Rivers State involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The situation escalated when the Ologunagba faction appointed National Treasurer Yayari Mohammed as Damagum’s replacement, further deepening the divide within the party.
Temporary Truce
At the conclusion of the meeting, Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum and serves as the governor of Bauchi State, addressed the media in Abuja. He emphasized the need for unity within the party and announced the decision to broker a truce after consultations with representatives from the NWC, the party’s National Assembly Caucus, and the Board of Trustees (BoT).
He stated, “I want to inform you on behalf of the PDP Governors Forum, the Chairman of the Senate Caucus, and the representative of the BoT that we had a family meeting, and we wish to reaffirm that there is no faction in the PDP. All the suspensions you heard about have been resolved by the Governors, the NWC, the Caucus of the National Assembly, and the BoT.”
Moving Forward
This intervention by the PDP governors aims to restore stability within the party and facilitate a collaborative approach to governance as they work towards addressing internal conflicts and maintaining a united front leading into future elections.