Tension continues to rise within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as leaders failed to resolve their internal crisis during a major meeting on Monday in Abuja. After nearly three hours of discussion, the party’s National Caucus ended the meeting without a clear decision.
Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum told journalists, “We just adjourned our meeting for today till tomorrow at 10am. This meeting is going to continue. We just set up a small committee that would give us a report.”
The purpose of the meeting was to prepare for the 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, originally scheduled for May 27. However, long-standing disagreements among top leaders have delayed the NEC meeting several times, with no new date confirmed.
Several big names in the PDP, including former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, did not attend the meeting. Their absence raised further concerns about unity within the party.
The PDP has been struggling with many internal problems since before the 2023 elections. These include the crisis in Rivers State, a leadership dispute in the South-South zone, and disagreements over the National Secretary position.
A major source of conflict is between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and other party leaders. Wike is reportedly angry about decisions made by Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), which he believes are weakening his political influence.
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On Sunday, Wike withdrew from peace talks after the party refused to recognize some of his allies, including his preferred choice for National Secretary. He vowed to keep fighting for control within the party.
In a dramatic twist, officials from the Federal Capital Territory Authority sealed the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja on Monday afternoon over unpaid ground rent. As a result, the Board of Trustees had to move its planned meeting to another location, but the meeting did not take place.
Saraki’s peace panel is expected to meet with party leaders and present a report today. A reliable source said, “These solution-based reports will set the pace to reopen peace discussions and determine if the NEC meeting can be held as scheduled. If not, a new date will be announced.”
The PDP is going through one of the worst crises in its history. Recent defections, including former Vice Presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and other key figures in Delta State, have weakened the party further.
Political observers say the PDP risks becoming too weak to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election.
Umar Damagum, who replaced Iyorchia Ayu as acting chairman, is under growing pressure as party structures in several states remain broken and party leadership struggles to take control.
With more meetings set for today, the future of the PDP’s unity and leadership remains uncertain.