PDP Governors Meet to Resolve Party Crisis

In light of the recent factional split within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), governors elected on the party’s platform are set to meet to address the deepening crisis. The situation escalated on Friday when the party’s leadership broke into two factions, with one led by Yayari Ahmed Mohammed and the other by the acting National Chairman, Illiya Umar Damagum. This divide has thrown the party into disarray, further complicating efforts to stabilize ahead of the 2024 general elections.

One of the critical decisions facing the governors is how to mediate between the two factions and restore unity within the party. According to insider sources, the governors will consider several options, including the possible removal of all National Working Committee (NWC) members and the establishment of a caretaker committee to oversee party operations until December 2025. Another proposal is for both factions to maintain the status quo until a substantive chairman can be elected at the October 24 NEC meeting.

Emergence of PDP National Chairmanship Contenders

As the PDP’s internal conflict rages, the race for the party’s national chairmanship is heating up, with former Senate President Senator David Mark, former Governor of Benue State Senator Gabriel Suswam, and Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, Director General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, leading the pack of contenders. Each candidate brings a unique blend of political experience and regional influence, making the contest one of the most anticipated in the party’s history.

David Mark’s candidacy is reportedly being championed by influential retired generals, positioning him as a strong frontrunner. Meanwhile, Gabriel Suswam has stated his readiness to unify the party through “honest leadership” while dismissing his ambition as a “do-or-die” affair. Agbo, on the other hand, enjoys significant backing from state chairmen and key governors, making him a formidable candidate as well.

Legal and Leadership Struggles Intensify

The internal strife in the PDP has been compounded by legal challenges, particularly surrounding the suspension of key party officials. Acting National Chairman Illiya Umar Damagum was suspended by a faction of the NWC, a move that was quickly countered by Damagum’s supporters, who announced the suspension of National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu. The chaos reached a new level when a Federal High Court issued a restraining order preventing Damagum’s removal until December 2025.

In an attempt to contain the damage, Damagum traveled to Bauchi State to brief the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed. Although Damagum’s suspension remains contested, there is hope that the forthcoming meeting of the PDP governors will provide a path forward. Meanwhile, concerns over access to party resources and information have escalated, with some national officers attempting to change office keys and restrict access to the party’s communication channels.

Path Forward: NEC Meeting and Leadership Transition

The PDP’s NEC meeting scheduled for October 24 is expected to play a decisive role in the party’s future. One of the main issues on the agenda will be the election of a new substantive national chairman to complete the tenure of former chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, which is set to expire in December 2025. The meeting, which was originally postponed due to state congresses and religious observances, is seen as a critical juncture for the PDP’s efforts to resolve its leadership crisis.

Although the court order protecting Damagum complicates matters, many party insiders believe that a peaceful resolution is still possible. Some governors are reportedly working to ensure that the crisis is resolved without further damaging the party’s prospects ahead of the 2024 elections. With the stakes high and multiple factions vying for control, the outcome of the NEC meeting will determine not only the future leadership of the PDP but also its chances of reclaiming national prominence in Nigeria’s political landscape.