PDP power struggle over chairmanship deepens amid internal conflicts

Despite efforts by top leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to restore stability amid internal conflicts, tensions remain high, particularly after recent suspensions within the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

The party continues to face unresolved challenges, with influential members from various states pushing for the removal of Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Illiya Damagum.

According to sources from the Nigerian Tribune, some founding members, particularly from the North-Central region, are frustrated by what they see as the deliberate sidelining of their geopolitical zone in the party’s leadership structure.

This ongoing power struggle has left the opposition party in a precarious position.

These members argue that the party’s constitution mandates that the national chairman’s position should be zoned to the North-Central, and they are demanding that the seat be returned to the region.

One PDP stalwart, speaking anonymously, revealed that key figures from both chambers of the National Assembly support reclaiming the position from Damagum, with consensus growing among political actors in the North-Central.

“We have only one governor from the North-Central, and our political actors are united in their call for the national chairmanship to return to us,” the source said.

Former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Istifanus Mwansat, urged party elders to take immediate action, expressing optimism that the issue will be resolved at the next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

“Damagum has overstayed his welcome. The position belongs to the North-Central, and it’s time for our leaders to step up and reclaim it,” Mwansat asserted.

Damagum’s suspension has already garnered support from several PDP lawmakers and members, who applauded the NWC’s decision to suspend him and his allies.

These members expressed concern over alleged attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to create a one-party state but remained hopeful that the PDP will regain its footing with new leadership.

However, a recent court order by Justice Peter Lifu has complicated matters, restraining the NEC and the Board of Trustees (BoT) from removing Damagum as acting chairman.

Despite this, PDP spokesperson Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere argued that the court order came after Damagum’s suspension and thus has no bearing on the current situation.

As the PDP’s internal crisis deepens, Senate Minority Leader Abba Morro revealed that the party’s National Assembly caucus will meet on Wednesday to seek a resolution.

He expressed hope that the impasse, largely a fallout from the 2023 general elections and the G-5 governors’ grievances, will be settled soon.

“The crisis stems from within our ranks, but we are working towards lasting peace,” Morro said.

Meanwhile, key party figures from regions such as Bauchi, Ekiti, and Anambra have remained silent on the issue, preferring to watch how events unfold.

In contrast, the Benue State chapter of the PDP has called for maintaining the status quo until the NEC meeting scheduled for October 24, with one of the aspirants for the national chairmanship, Conrad Terhide Utaan, voicing support for Damagum’s temporary continuation in the role.