The ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), driven by tensions between Minister Nyesom Wike and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, has led to significant divisions within the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Since the removal of Senator Iyorchia Ayu, the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, has faced increasing criticism, with calls for his resignation growing louder. The situation escalated when Damagum, aligning with Wike, authorized contentious party congresses in Rivers State and postponed a crucial National Executive Committee meeting from September 26 to October 24.
The conflict intensified on August 24 when PDP governors expressed their support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, urging a reassessment of the state congresses. In retaliation, Wike threatened to disrupt activities in the governors’ states if they continued to meddle in Rivers affairs, a move that the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Governor Mohammed, condemned as irresponsible.
Further complicating matters, local government elections in Rivers on October 5 saw 22 out of 23 newly elected chairmen come from the Action Peoples Party, marking a setback for Wike’s faction.
In a surprising turn, the NWC announced the suspension of its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, citing their opposition to Damagum’s leadership and support for Wike. Following their suspension, the NWC appointed a committee led by Deputy National Chairman (South), Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the suspensions.
Shortly thereafter, Ologunagba revealed that the NWC had also suspended Damagum and National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, for alleged disloyalty. This faction accused them of undermining party unity and engaging in activities detrimental to the PDP’s interests.
The NWC’s statement condemned Damagum and Anyanwu’s actions as violations of the PDP Constitution, leading to their referral to the National Disciplinary Committee. In the aftermath, Yayari Ahmed Mohammed was appointed as the acting National Chairman.
Wike’s supporters have been vocal in their backing of Damagum, pushing for the suspension of Ologunagba and Ajibade for their resistance to Wike’s influence. A senior member of the NWC from the Mohammed faction confirmed that the divisions were largely rooted in the Wike-Fubara conflict, which has now become public.
In response to the escalating tensions, the PDP Board of Trustees urged both factions to seek reconciliation and restore stability within the party. Chairman Sen. Adolphus Wabara emphasized the importance of unity and progress for the PDP moving forward.