The ongoing internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has now reached the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), with fresh allegations emerging that acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and his allies are taking steps to suppress dissent within the party’s highest decision-making bodies.
Sources within the party, speaking anonymously, have revealed plans to replace certain BoT members who have been critical of Damagum’s leadership. This move reflects the intensifying calls for Damagum’s resignation and the deepening divisions within the party.
Damagum, who stepped into the role of acting National Chairman following the court-ordered removal of Senator Iyorchia Ayu, has faced increasing opposition from various factions within the PDP. These factions have criticized his leadership style and called for urgent reforms. At the 98th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in April, party leaders had approved the formation of a reconciliation and disciplinary committee and tasked the North Central Caucus with consulting on the selection of a permanent National Chairman. However, key NEC meetings scheduled for August, October, and November have been repeatedly postponed, leaving unresolved issues hanging over the party’s future.
Now, the PDP Governors Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, has instructed the National Working Committee (NWC) to convene a full NEC meeting by February 2025 in order to address the ongoing crisis. In the meantime, the former Senate President and current BoT Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, has criticized the NWC for its inability to resolve the party’s internal issues. Wabara has accused Damagum’s leadership of exacerbating divisions within the party and failing to provide the necessary accountability and unity.
Reports indicate that Damagum’s faction, which enjoys support from powerful figures such as former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde, Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, and other key party governors, has successfully infiltrated nearly all levels of the PDP structure. A party insider further claimed that Damagum’s group has been working to consolidate power by replacing opposition voices within the BoT and other critical party organs. The source stated, “They have infiltrated almost all party organs. Based on how the NWC has been operating over the past two years, it’s clear who is behind this. Recently, the Imo State PDP Chairman was appointed as Chairman of the Chairmen Forum, all part of their strategy. Most NEC members align with them, and the only remaining opposition within the party is the BoT. Now, they are plotting to replace certain BoT members to ensure that the body no longer challenges Damagum’s leadership.”
In a related development, a senior NWC member confirmed that the NWC would meet on Thursday to discuss ongoing party matters. This meeting, the source said, would also address issues related to the alleged suspension of the Cross River State PDP Chairman. “The NWC will meet tomorrow to discuss party matters, including the Cross River issue. We plan to resolve these matters as we approach the end of the year,” the NWC member added.
Meanwhile, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, responded to concerns about the timing of the NEC meeting. Osadolor confirmed that the date for the NEC meeting had been finalized for February 2025, explaining that logistical challenges made it impractical to hold the meeting in December. “The concerns about the NEC meeting are well understood, but it has been agreed that the NEC will take place in February. It is no longer feasible for the meeting to happen in December due to the complex logistics involved. So, February is the agreed date, and nothing will change that,” Osadolor said.
On the NWC meeting, he emphasized that there was no special agenda beyond the regular business of the party, but he did suggest that the NWC should release a statement expressing solidarity with Nigerians, given the current economic difficulties in the country. “The NWC should release a statement expressing solidarity with the people, especially as Nigerians are facing tough times. We have seen how such conditions led to upheaval in other countries, and we must continue to engage with our people, urging patience and understanding during this difficult period,” Osadolor concluded.
This latest development in the PDP reflects the ongoing struggle for control within the party, as various factions vie for influence in the wake of leadership changes and growing discontent over the party’s direction.
