As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing an escalating leadership crisis, the governors elected under the party’s platform are considering an emergency meeting Monday to find a resolution.
The National Working Committee (NWC) split into two factions on Friday, issuing counter suspension orders.
The Amb. Umar Damagum-led NWC suspended National Publicity Secretary Hon. Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Adeyemi Ajibade SAN for alleged insubordination and abuse of office regarding the Rivers State chapter crisis. In response, Ologunagba and Ajibade suspended Damagum and National Secretary Sen. Samuel Ayanwu for alleged anti-party activities.
A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, restrained the National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) from removing Damagum until December 2025.
The PDP Governors’ Forum may meet to decide on the next course of action, considering options such as appealing the judgment or sacking the entire NWC and appointing an interim management team.
Damagum met with stakeholders, including Governor Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the PDP-GF, in Bauchi.
A high-ranking party leader stated anonymously, “We are taking to ourselves. Saving the party from itself is now paramount. We expect our governors… to provide leadership.”
Possible replacements for Damagum mentioned by party faithful include:
Former Senate President David Mark
Ex-Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam
Benue-born businessman Conrad Utaan
Ex-Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam
Benue-born businessman Conrad Utaan
All three hail from Benue State, the home state of former National Chairman Dr. Iyiorchia Ayu