PDP Factional Chairmen Clash, Fester Leadership Crisis in the Party

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues to experience deepening internal divisions as two rival factions, led by Yayari Mohammed and Umar Damagum, battle for control of the party’s leadership. The conflict, which has been ongoing since 2022, escalated on Friday when the party’s national leadership split into two factions, each claiming legitimacy over the other.

The faction led by Yayari Mohammed, who declared himself the acting National Chairman, challenged the leadership of Umar Damagum, raising concerns about security threats. The Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC), in response, has issued a stern warning, vowing to involve security agencies to enforce party rules and uphold court orders favoring their leadership. The escalating situation signals a growing crisis that could destabilize the PDP if not swiftly resolved.

Court Intervenes Amidst Growing Tensions

The factional crisis within the PDP took a legal turn when the Federal High Court in Abuja intervened, issuing an order that solidified Umar Damagum’s leadership. Justice Peter Lifu, in a ruling delivered via Zoom, restrained the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and the Board of Trustees (BoT) from removing Damagum as acting national chairman until the PDP’s convention in December 2025.

In reaction to the court order, Ibrahim Abdullahi, the acting National Publicity Secretary of the Damagum-led faction, warned Yayari Mohammed’s group to cease defying the ruling. Abdullahi emphasized the need to respect the party’s constitution, stating that actions taken by Mohammed’s faction were not only unconstitutional but also a violation of the court’s decision. He further hinted that security agencies might be called upon to restore order and enforce compliance, marking a new phase in the party’s internal struggle.

Governors’ Forum Fails to Break Deadlock

Efforts by PDP governors to mediate the leadership crisis have so far failed to produce a resolution. An emergency meeting of the PDP Governors Forum, held via Zoom and led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, ended inconclusively on Monday. The forum, which convened in response to the escalating tensions, was unable to reach a consensus and adjourned until Tuesday.

The divide among the governors mirrors the broader party conflict, with seven governors, including Osun’s Ademola Adeleke and Edo’s Godwin Obaseki, supporting Damagum’s removal. Meanwhile, a smaller group led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is opposed to Damagum’s ouster. Two governors, Peter Mbah of Enugu and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, have remained neutral in the ongoing dispute. The governors are reportedly considering the formation of a caretaker committee to manage party affairs until the current NWC’s tenure expires in December 2025, but no final decision has been made.

Power Struggle or Crisis? Perspectives on the PDP Conflict

While the PDP’s internal strife has been labeled a crisis by many observers, some within the party view the situation differently. Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, a prominent party chieftain, has downplayed the severity of the conflict, describing it as a routine power struggle rather than a full-blown crisis. According to Pearse, leadership tussles are common in political parties around the world and do not necessarily signal a breakdown in party operations.

Pearse’s perspective suggests that while the PDP’s leadership dispute is certainly contentious, it might not threaten the party’s long-term stability. However, with factional leaders refusing to back down and court rulings further complicating matters, the coming days will be critical in determining whether the PDP can emerge from this episode united or further fractured. All eyes are now on the next steps of the PDP Governors Forum as they attempt to broker peace in an increasingly polarized party.