The internal rift within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) widened over the weekend as former Governors Samuel Ortom of Benue State and Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State openly endorsed the Nyesom Wike-aligned faction of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). Their declaration comes amid renewed mobilization by loyalists of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to challenge the Wike-backed faction as the PDP navigates heightened tensions ahead of its national convention.
The latest development intensifies the already fragile power struggle over control of PDP structures, zoning arrangements, and convention plans, with both sides trading accusations of incompetence, exclusion, and anti-party activities.
Emerging Factions and Leadership Dispute
In separate statements issued Sunday, Ortom and Fayose backed the faction led by PDP National Vice Chairman (North Central), Abdulrahman Mohammed, while criticizing acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, for what they described as poor leadership and divisive politics.
Ortom, a member of the party’s Board of Trustees, lamented that warnings for reconciliation and inclusion were ignored. He expressed optimism that Mohammed’s leadership offered “a fresh opportunity to rebuild trust and heal internal wounds.”
Fayose echoed similar sentiments, asserting that the PDP had reached a “hopeless situation” under Damagum. He alleged that the present NWC was “burying the party” and called Mohammed’s rise “a necessary step to revive the PDP and correct imbalances ahead of the convention.”
Court Injunction Heightens Tension Within PDP
The crisis escalated significantly after a Federal High Court in Abuja halted preparations for the party’s national elective convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, citing constitutional and Electoral Act concerns. Justice James Omotosho’s ruling directed the PDP to suspend all arrangements pending further directives.
In reaction, the Damagum-led NWC suspended several top officers, including National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, for alleged anti-party activities. The rival faction responded swiftly, counter-suspending Damagum and other top members for purported financial impropriety and incompetence, deepening the leadership stalemate.
A PDP source disclosed that Makinde’s allies and sympathetic governors are in strategic meetings to challenge the injunction and retain control over the convention process. “We are not folding our hands,” the source said. “We have the majority, and efforts are ongoing to appeal the judgment.”
External Concerns and Growing Political Anxiety
Amid the internal turmoil, former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim condemned the court’s decision, alleging that judicial and external pressures were being used to weaken the PDP and tilt the political landscape toward a “one-party regime.” He emphasized that stakeholders committed to democracy would resist attempts to undermine multi-party governance.
As both factions contest legitimacy and authority, analysts note that the Peoples Democratic Party’s ability to resolve its crisis will significantly influence its relevance ahead of future national elections. With the convention in limbo and rival camps entrenched, reconciliation remains uncertain, raising questions over the PDP’s cohesion as the principal opposition party.
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