PDP Schedules Emergency Meeting Amid Internal Crisis, Leadership Disputes

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is set to hold a critical emergency meeting on Monday, October 14, 2024, to address its ongoing internal crisis, according to sources within the party.

As reported by Sunday Punch, the PDP Governors Forum has initiated the meeting to discuss pressing concerns regarding the party’s direction and future. There are indications that stakeholders are contemplating the formation of a caretaker committee aimed at steering the party towards a National Convention, where a new National Working Committee (NWC) will be elected.

Since his appointment as acting National Chairman following the ousting of Senator Iyorchia Ayu, Umar Damagum has faced mounting criticism from party leaders, with some calling for his resignation. Critics argue that Damagum’s indecisiveness has exacerbated tensions within the party, particularly between Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike.

In a dramatic turn of events on Friday, Damagum’s faction of the NWC announced the suspension of National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) for alleged insubordination and actions deemed detrimental to the party. This was quickly followed by a counter-statement from Ologunagba, claiming that he and National Secretary Sen. Samuel Anyanwu had been suspended by the NWC for disloyalty, appointing National Treasurer Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as acting National Chairman.

Amid these disputes, the chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed, has expressed concern over the party’s fractious situation. During a recent meeting with Damagum’s faction, he urged for unity and a restoration of the status quo to facilitate collaboration within the NWC and prepare for an upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

In light of these developments, the governors have scheduled the emergency meeting for Monday to discuss the potential establishment of a caretaker committee to manage party affairs and organize an elective convention in 2025. Stakeholders remain cautious, given ongoing legal challenges surrounding the current NWC.