By Sabiu Abdullahi
The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a dramatic turn, with the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) factionalised over issues in Rivers State and the conflict between Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.
Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, has faced mounting criticism and calls for resignation since taking over after Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s court-ordered removal.
The crisis escalated when Damagum and other NWC members, supporting Wike, approved controversial PDP Congresses in Rivers State and postponed the National Executive Committee meeting.
The lingering conflict between Wike and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, intensified on August 24, with PDP governors publicly backing Fubara and urging a review of the state congresses.
Wike responded by threatening to disrupt activities in the governors’ states, but the PDP Governors’ Forum labeled his threats “irresponsible”.
In a surprising move, the NWC suspended National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), citing opposition to Damagum’s efforts to hand over control to Wike.
However, Ologunagba’s faction of the NWC swiftly suspended Damagum and National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, for alleged disloyalty, appointing National Treasurer Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as acting National Chairman.
The situation remains fluid, with the PDP’s future hanging in the balance.