Despite ongoing efforts by senior leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to restore stability amid internal strife, tensions continue to rise, particularly following recent disputes regarding suspensions within the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
The opposition party remains in turmoil, with several prominent members from various states advocating for the ousting of the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Illiya Damagum.
Sources inform the Nigerian Tribune that some founding members, particularly from the North-Central region, are expressing frustration over what they view as a systematic exclusion of their geopolitical zone from key leadership positions.
These members contend that the party’s constitution stipulates that the national chairmanship should be designated to the North-Central zone, and they are demanding that this rightful position be restored.
An anonymous PDP insider disclosed that influential figures from both houses of the National Assembly are backing the reclamation of the chairmanship from Damagum, with a growing consensus among political figures in the North-Central region.
“We currently have only one governor from the North-Central, and our political leaders are united in their demand for the national chairmanship to revert to us,” the source stated.
Former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Istifanus Mwansat, called on party elders to take prompt action, expressing confidence that the matter will be addressed at the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
“Damagum has overstayed his welcome. The position rightfully belongs to the North-Central, and it’s time for our leaders to reclaim it,” Mwansat emphasized.
Support for Damagum’s suspension has emerged from several PDP lawmakers and members who praised the NWC’s decision to suspend him and his supporters.
These members are wary of alleged efforts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to establish a one-party state, but they remain optimistic that the PDP can regain momentum under new leadership.
However, a recent court ruling by Justice Peter Lifu has complicated the situation, placing a restraining order on the NEC and the Board of Trustees (BoT) from removing Damagum as acting chairman.
In response, PDP spokesperson Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere argued that the court order was issued after Damagum’s suspension and therefore does not influence the ongoing situation
As the internal crisis within the PDP escalates, Senate Minority Leader Abba Morro announced that the party’s National Assembly caucus will convene on Wednesday to pursue a resolution.
He conveyed optimism that the stalemate, largely rooted in the aftermath of the 2023 general elections and the grievances of the G-5 governors, will be resolved soon.
“The crisis originates from within our ranks, but we are striving for a lasting peace,” Morro stated.
Meanwhile, prominent party leaders from regions such as Bauchi, Ekiti, and Anambra have opted for silence on the matter, watching closely as developments unfold.
