PDP Rift Deepens as Gov. Seyi Makinde Rejects Bala Mohammed’s Statement, Backs Acting Chairman Umar Damagum

The internal crisis within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified, with Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State openly contradicting a recent statement by Governor Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum. The division became apparent after a visit by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) to Oyo State, where Makinde firmly expressed support for Damagum’s leadership.

During the visit, Makinde made it clear that he, alongside other governors, stands fully behind Damagum and the current NWC, dismissing any notion of a leadership change. “I was reading yesterday that there was another meeting in Bauchi by some NWC members. Let me say clearly… I’ve been discussing with my brother, [Gov Adeleke], and we are 100% in support of Umar Damagum-led NWC,” Makinde declared.

He also pledged to support any decisions Damagum takes to reposition the PDP, signaling his confidence in the acting chairman’s leadership. “Whatever decision you take, we will support you to reposition our party,” Makinde assured Damagum.

These remarks directly contradict Governor Bala Mohammed’s earlier comments. Mohammed had suggested that Damagum would step down, and that Governor Siminalayi Fubara would reclaim the party structure in Rivers State. Mohammed framed these moves as necessary to resolve leadership disputes and maintain the party’s established practices.

However, Makinde stressed that this is not the time for internal disagreements, particularly with the Edo State gubernatorial election approaching. “I don’t think this is the right time, even if we have issues within ourselves,” he said. “We have an important election this Saturday, so we should all rally around and deliver our candidate.”