One big crisis dey rock the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the party’s governors prepare to meet today, Monday, to discuss the internal crisis wey dey tear the party apart. The meeting, which go hold via Zoom, go focus on the recent developments wey involve the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and the emergence of a new factional chairman, Alhaji Yayari Mohammed.
The crisis start on Friday when Damagum’s faction of the National Working Committee (NWC) announce the suspension of the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, for alleged insubordination and anti-party activities. But shortly after, another faction of the NWC counter with their own suspension, saying Damagum and the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, dey involved in disloyalty and anti-party activities, and they appoint Yayari Mohammed as the new acting National Chairman.
The 13 PDP governors divided on this matter. Seven governors, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, dey push for Damagum’s removal. On the other hand, four governors – Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas – dey support Damagum and oppose his removal.
Two governors, Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, remain neutral in the matter. The main agenda of the meeting today na to find a way to reconcile the Damagum and Yayari Mohammed factions and decide the fate of the suspensions and the leadership of the party.
A high-ranking member of the PDP National Working Committee tell *PUNCH* that the governors will review actions taken by both groups and decide whether to uphold or cancel the suspensions. This decision go determine which faction will chair the October 24 NEC meeting and whether the meeting will proceed as scheduled.
The acting National Publicity Secretary of the Damagum’s camp, Ibrahim Abdullahi, insist say the decision to suspend Ologunagba remain and nothing by the governors can change the situation. However, the governors hope to find a framework that captures the interests of both groups and all stakeholders to reduce tension within the party.
