The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is grappling with escalating internal conflicts as the party’s much-anticipated National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, scheduled for February 29, remains uncertain. With unresolved disputes among its key members, the PDP is struggling to address critical issues that threaten its unity and relevance.
At the center of the turmoil is a heated feud between Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who also serves as the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum. The two have been locked in a war of words over the party’s leadership and direction, creating further division within the party.
Wike and Bala Mohammed Trade Words
Governor Bala Mohammed recently labeled Wike as a “transactional politician” and a “liability” to the party, accusing him of prioritizing personal ambitions over collective interests. “His recent media outburst was yet another reminder of his transactional approach to politics,” Mohammed’s media adviser, Mukhtar Gidado, stated in a fiery rebuttal.
Wike, known for his confrontational style, responded by criticizing Mohammed’s leadership. “It is funny that a known fair-weather politician like Bala Mohammed is calling someone else a transactional politician,” Wike fired back. He accused Mohammed of occupying the PDP Governors Forum chairmanship out of political greed, arguing that the role should have gone to a governor from the South based on convention.
Rivers State Crisis Adds Fuel to the Fire
The Rivers State chapter of the PDP is another flashpoint in the party’s crisis. A recent court ruling affirmed the leadership of a faction loyal to Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This decision has split the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Debo Ologunagba, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, announced the NWC’s acceptance of the court’s judgment, saying, “The NWC of the PDP acknowledges receipt, considered, and hereby accepts the judgment of the Rivers State High Court.”
However, this statement was swiftly countered by Ibrahim Abdullahi, the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, who accused Ologunagba of acting unilaterally. “The NWC did not accept the judgment in Rivers State. That is not true,” Abdullahi insisted, highlighting the deep divisions within the party’s leadership.
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National Secretary Dispute Intensifies
Further complicating matters is the battle over the position of PDP National Secretary. While courts have recognized Sunday Ude-Okoye as the legitimate occupant, Senator Samuel Anyanwu has refused to step down, citing a pending Supreme Court appeal. Anyanwu’s defiance has divided the NWC, with Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and his allies backing him, while others, including Ologunagba, oppose his stance.
Reconciliation Efforts Stalled
The Olagunsoye Oyinlola-led National Reconciliation Committee, tasked with mending fences within the party, has made little progress since its last meeting in October 2024. A party insider lamented the lack of tangible results, saying, “The committee certainly has fresh fires to put out.”
The repeated postponement of the NEC meeting has fueled speculation about the party’s ability to resolve its issues. A NEC member, speaking anonymously, expressed doubt about the meeting taking place as planned. “Damagum and his sit-tight choir are already shopping for another excuse to postpone the meeting,” the member revealed.
Calls for Unity Amid Growing Division
Amid the chaos, some party members are calling for unity and a renewed focus on rebuilding the PDP. Comrade Timothy Osadolor, a spokesperson for the party’s elected deputies, urged members to set aside personal grievances. “This is no longer the time for a blame game. All have sinned,” Osadolor said. He emphasized that Acting National Chairman Damagum would remain in office until December 2025 and called for an end to media attacks and court distractions.
As the February NEC meeting approaches, the PDP’s internal conflicts show no sign of abating. With multiple factions entrenched in their positions, the party faces an uphill battle to regain stability and present a united front. Whether the PDP can overcome its challenges and refocus on its mission remains to be seen.