The PDP Crisis: A Battle for Control and the Fate of the National Convention
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently in a state of turmoil as two opposing factions within the party are locked in a power struggle that has thrown the upcoming national convention into doubt. The crisis, which began with a legal battle over the legitimacy of the party’s leadership, has escalated to the point where the party’s national secretariat remains sealed, and key decision-making bodies are operating from alternative locations.
The Legal Standoff
One faction, led by the Acting National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed and the party secretary Samuel Anyanwu, insists that the national convention scheduled for Ibadan between November 15 and 16 will not proceed. This position is based on a recent ruling by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, which placed the convention on hold. According to Abdulrahman, his group has received the Certified True Copy of the judgment and has filed an appeal with the Court of Appeal to seek further clarification.
He stated:
“We have deemed it necessary and responsible to formally communicate our position to the commission. Accordingly, we have notified INEC to suspend the national convention in strict compliance with the directive contained in the judgement.”
Abdulrahman also emphasized that the ex parte order issued by the Oyo State High Court cannot override the earlier ruling of the Federal High Court. He argued that the Federal High Court’s authority supersedes that of the state court.
The Other Side of the Story
On the other side, the faction loyal to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and under the leadership of Umar Damagum, the National Chairman, continues to push for the convention to go ahead. The Oyo State chapter of the PDP, which supports Governor Seyi Makinde, has dismissed the claims of the opposing faction as the work of “charlatans and political comedians.” Publicity Secretary Micheal Ogunsina stated that the party remains united under Damagum’s leadership and that the National Working Committee (NWC), Board of Trustees (BoT), and other organs are working toward the success of the convention.
Ogunsina said:
“We must stop listening to charlatans and political comedians. PDP is one, and the National Chairman is Umar Damagum. We should not give life to suspended national working committee members. Their words hold no water, and they are wasting their time.”
He expressed confidence that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would comply with the Oyo High Court’s order for the convention to proceed.
The Sealed Secretariat
Meanwhile, the national secretariat of the PDP remains sealed, with Samuel Anyanwu citing safety concerns as the reason. He claimed that on Monday, he was almost attacked by “hoodlums” who were allegedly following instructions from Umar Damagum. Anyanwu described the incident as a direct threat to his life and those of his staff.
He stated:
“Under the directives and instructions of Umar Damagu, the former PDP chairman, I heard them clearly asking the boys to attack. If not for the intervention of the police, most of the staff (members) would have been murdered.”
Anyanwu insisted that the sealing of the secretariat was a protective measure to ensure the safety of the workers. He also confirmed that the Ibadan convention would not proceed until the outcome of the appeal is known.
The Board of Trustees Meeting
The Board of Trustees (BoT) held a meeting at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge on Wednesday, attended by Umar Damagum, BoT chairman Adolphus Wabara, and other party leaders. However, Anyanwu criticized this meeting, calling it a “one-sided affair” and suggesting it was more of a gathering of friends than a formal board meeting.
He also revealed that he had petitioned the police for security after receiving intelligence about plans to attack the secretariat. He cited the events of October 31, when the previous leadership attempted to suspend key party officials, as the reason for the heightened security measures.
The Uncertain Future
With both factions refusing to back down, the fate of the national convention remains uncertain. The legal battle between the two sides shows no signs of resolution, and the situation could have significant implications for the PDP’s future.
As the party grapples with internal divisions, the Nigerian public watches closely to see how this crisis will unfold and what it means for the broader political landscape.