The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a leadership crisis following the factionalization of its National Working Committee (NWC) over the weekend. There is mounting uncertainty surrounding the future of the NWC, with calls from various stakeholders for its replacement by a caretaker committee until a national convention can be held.
The PDP NWC split into two factions, with each group suspending members of the opposing faction. The faction led by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum suspended National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade for alleged insubordination. In response, Ologunagba’s faction announced the suspension of Damagum and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, subsequently appointing National Treasurer Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as the new acting chairman.
This internal strife comes as the PDP prepares for a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for October 24. The party’s last NEC meeting was held on April 28, with a decision on electing a substantive national chairman postponed until August 15, only to be further delayed.
A recent ruling by a Federal High Court in Abuja barred the PDP from replacing Damagum until the expiration of the current NWC’s tenure in December 2025. However, members of Ologunagba’s faction argue that Damagum had already been ousted before the court’s order, leading to further tensions.
As the NEC meeting approaches, some stakeholders are reportedly pushing for the NWC to be replaced with a caretaker committee. The division within the NWC and grievances surrounding recent state congresses are contributing to a growing sense of urgency for reconciliation or restructuring within the party. Ethnic concerns have also emerged, with some leaders upset that both suspended officials are Yoruba, adding complexity to the party’s internal dynamics.
Despite the court ruling, Mohammed has invited the North Central zone to submit a nominee for national chairman ahead of the NEC meeting, signaling the possibility of a leadership change. However, some members insist that no changes can be made outside of established party rules.
As the situation unfolds, the future of the PDP’s leadership remains in question, with internal discord threatening to destabilize the party ahead of its national convention.
