PDP’s Internal Struggles and the Quest for Unity
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is currently navigating a complex internal conflict, with various factions vying for control and influence. In response to the growing tensions within the party, the Board of Trustees (BoT) has taken significant steps to address the situation. The BoT, led by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, has formed a six-member committee aimed at reconciling the warring factions within the party.
This initiative comes in the wake of a recent incident where a faction of the National Working Committee (NWC), aligned with Alhaji Abdulrahman Muhammed and supported by National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, briefly took control of the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. The BoT has reaffirmed Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum as the acting National Chairman, emphasizing that he remains the authentic head of the NWC.
In a communiqué issued after its meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the BoT described itself as “the conscience of the party,” stating that it would not take sides but focus on safeguarding the PDP’s integrity and promoting dialogue. The decision for reconciliation was framed as a demonstration of maturity and responsibility rather than a sign of weakness.
The BoT has established a high-powered reconciliation committee, known as the BoT Reconciliation Committee, which includes key figures from different regions of the country. The committee comprises Ambassador Hassan Adamu (North East) as chairman; Chief Mike Oghiadomhe (South South), secretary; Chief Ugochukwu Okeke (South East); Senator Zaynab Kure (North Central); Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola (South West); and Dr Lubna Mohammed Gusau (North West). The committee is tasked with reporting back to the BoT on Tuesday, November 11, for further action.
The communiqué also reaffirmed that the PDP remains a united, formidable, and focused political party under Damagum’s leadership. It commended the NWC, the PDP Governors’ Forum, and the National Convention Organising Committee for their roles in stabilizing the party. The BoT welcomed the recent ruling of the Oyo State High Court, presided over by Justice A. L. Akintola, which affirmed the PDP’s constitutional right to manage its internal affairs and hold its convention as planned.
However, not all members of the party are in agreement with the BoT’s approach. National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu has rejected the BoT’s reconciliation move, describing the Abuja meeting as “a gathering of friends.” He argued that no valid BoT meeting could be held without his participation as the party’s National Secretary. Anyanwu claimed that any BoT meeting he did not attend was not legally convened.
Anyanwu also accused Damagum of deploying thugs to attack him at the PDP secretariat and alleged that the national secretariat was locked due to the crisis. He insisted that the Federal High Court in Abuja, not the Oyo State High Court, had jurisdiction over the matter. Anyanwu claimed that the secretariat was shut for security reasons after intelligence reports indicated plans by Damagum’s loyalists to attack the premises.
PDP’s Resilience and Leadership
Speaking earlier, BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara likened the PDP to a cat with nine lives, insisting that the party would overcome its current crisis. He emphasized that the party has withstood trials, transitions, and temptations because it is founded on enduring principles of justice, fairness, equity, and national inclusion. Wabara expressed confidence that the PDP would rise above its challenges.
Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum acknowledged the difficulties of being an opposition politician in Nigeria. He commended Justice Akintola for affirming the PDP’s right to conduct its convention, describing the ruling as an “act of courage in an era of judicial intimidation and moral compromise.” Damagum emphasized the need for reconciliation, not vengeance, and stressed that his decisions have always been guided by loyalty to the party rather than individuals or factions.
As the party prepares for its convention, Damagum urged members to elect a leadership capable of restoring public confidence in the PDP. He highlighted the importance of bold, visionary leadership and called for a new NWC composed of individuals of integrity who can revive the party’s base and inspire new members across the federation.
Calls for Calm and Unity
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke also addressed the party’s crisis, urging members to remain calm and describing the dispute as “a family affair.” In a statement by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor expressed optimism that the disagreement at the national level would soon be resolved. He emphasized that all stakeholders have the party’s progress and success at heart.
Adeleke directed PDP leaders at the local government and ward levels in Osun to intensify mobilisation ahead of the next governorship poll. He expressed confidence that the party would come out stronger and better, highlighting the importance of unity and commitment to rebuilding the party for renewed success.