The internal crisis within Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened on Friday as the party’s integrity faction announced the appointment of Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as the new acting National Chairman. The ongoing power struggle in the PDP’s leadership has led to a series of suspensions and appointments, creating further tension within the party.
In the early hours of Friday, the National Working Committee (NWC), led by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, took decisive action by suspending two key party officials—National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade SAN and National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba. Both officials were accused of engaging in anti-party activities, a serious charge that has further divided the party.
Shortly after the announcement of these suspensions, another faction of the NWC issued a counter-statement through Ologunagba, representing the integrity group. This faction declared the suspension of Damagum and National Secretary Sam Anyanwu, also citing accusations of anti-party behavior. In response, Ologunagba announced that the integrity faction had appointed Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as the new acting National Chairman.
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In a statement, Ologunagba said, “Following the suspension of His Excellency, Ambassador Illiya Damagum as the Acting National Chairman of our great party, the National Working Committee has approved the appointment of Alhaji Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as the Acting National Chairman. The appointment takes immediate effect and is in line with the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).”
The appointment of Yayari Ahmed Mohammed is seen as a strategic move by the integrity faction, as the party heads toward its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 24, 2024. Ologunagba called for unity within the party during this turbulent time, stating, “The NWC calls on all organs, leaders, critical stakeholders, and members of our great party to remain focused at this critical time.”
The leadership tussle within the PDP has sparked concerns among party members and supporters, as the party prepares for key decisions ahead of the 2024 elections. Many are hoping that the NEC meeting will offer a platform for resolving the party’s internal disputes.
As the crisis unfolds, both factions of the PDP remain firm in their positions. Supporters of the integrity group are optimistic about Mohammed’s leadership, while others are calling for dialogue and reconciliation to restore unity within the party.
The coming days will be crucial for the PDP as it navigates this internal struggle and prepares for the upcoming NEC meeting.