The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing internal friction as governors remain divided over the position of the party’s Acting National Chairman, Illiya Damagum. Recent meetings with key figures have highlighted the rift, as some governors push for a change in leadership while others rally behind Damagum.
On Tuesday, a faction of the National Working Committee (NWC) met with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who advocated for removing Damagum from his position.
Mohammed cited constitutional issues, claiming that the Northcentral region should be allowed to take up the role of National Chairman, which is currently being held by Damagum from the Northeast.
Mohammed, addressing members of the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT), argued that the current arrangement violates the party’s constitution.
He recalled a similar transition when Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, from the Northeast, was replaced by former Bauchi State Governor Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu, who was from the same region.
Meanwhile, another faction of the NWC, led by Damagum himself, met with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde in Ibadan.
In contrast to Mohammed’s stance, Makinde expressed unwavering support for Damagum.
He emphasized that the party needs stability, especially with key elections approaching.
Makinde assured Damagum that his administration fully supports the current leadership and will stand behind any decisions aimed at repositioning the party.
As tensions mount, the split between governors like Mohammed and Makinde underscores the party’s internal struggle to resolve leadership disputes ahead of crucial elections.
While Mohammed insists on adherence to the PDP’s constitutional guidelines, Makinde stressed the need for unity, particularly with upcoming electoral contests.
Adding to the tension, Mohammed accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of planting moles within the Rivers PDP to destabilize the opposition.
He highlighted the ongoing conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now an APC minister.
Mohammed warned that the APC’s influence was aimed at sowing discord within the PDP.
Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the BoT, praised Mohammed’s efforts to mediate internal party issues.
He reaffirmed the BoT’s commitment to addressing the crisis in Rivers State and across the party.
However, Wabara also voiced his frustration with the ongoing division within the PDP, particularly in Rivers, as the party continues to struggle with unity and leadership challenges.
With both sides of the divide determined to push their respective agendas, the PDP finds itself at a crossroads as the party navigates an increasingly complex internal power struggle.
