The ongoing power struggle within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is intensifying, with a faction led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, reportedly planning to take aggressive action against those opposing its efforts to maintain Umar Damagum as the acting National Chairman.
This faction, which includes four PDP governors—Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, and Agbu Kefas of Taraba—has voiced its support for Damagum, who took over as acting chairman following the court-ordered removal of Senator Iyorchia Ayu.
However, the party is deeply divided, with notable figures such as the PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman, Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara, and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, opposing Damagum’s continued leadership in an acting capacity. This internal conflict has led to mounting pressure on Damagum, with growing calls for his resignation from within the party.
According to sources close to the situation, Wike’s camp has reportedly made plans to confront its critics and neutralize opposition within the party. A senior PDP member alleged that the Wike faction is preparing to suspend or expel members who are loyal to the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, especially at the state, local government, and ward levels. The faction is also reportedly targeting key figures such as Ikenga Ugochinyere, the representative for Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State, who has been vocal in criticizing both Wike and the Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC).
The source claimed that the move to expel Ugochinyere was part of a broader strategy by Wike’s faction to consolidate power and eliminate or silence dissent within the party. “There’s a deliberate plan to move against party members and even members of the public who oppose their interests,” the source said, implying a significant crackdown on opposition to the current leadership.
In response, some party members have downplayed these allegations, framing the internal disagreements as a natural part of political discourse. Timothy Osadolor, a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and Deputy National Youth Leader, dismissed the claims as speculative. He stated, “I want to believe that this is in the realm of speculation. Ultimately, people want their aspirations and ideals to take precedence. So, if there are those who believe the Damagum-led NWC is underperforming, it is only natural. I see no reason the Damagum-led NWC would use its position to target anyone. The only thing I believe Damagum is doing is working to reconcile issues and members within the party.”
Similarly, Kola Ologbondiyan, a former National Publicity Secretary and NEC member from the North Central, commended the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) for backing the call for a substantive National Chairman to be selected from the North Central region, in line with efforts to stabilize the party after Ayu’s removal. “We commend the BoT for supporting the call for North Central to nominate a replacement who will complete Ayu’s term,” Ologbondiyan stated.
Despite the ongoing internal divisions, former National Secretary Umar Ibrahim-Tsauri expressed confidence that the PDP would overcome its challenges. He reassured party members, saying, “PDP is a political party founded by Nigerians for Nigerians. Regardless of the current issues, it is a party that cannot be defeated by internal crises. We always find a way to overcome them.”
The situation within the PDP remains fluid, with factions within the party seemingly preparing for a prolonged struggle over leadership and the direction of the party’s future. As the battle for the National Chairman position unfolds, the party’s ability to reconcile its differences will be critical in determining its political viability in the coming years.
