PDP Resolves Internal Rift As Damagum Leads Ondo Governorship Campaign

Governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have reversed the suspension of several members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and restored the leadership structure to the status quo, as it was under acting National Chairman Umar Damagum. The Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, made this announcement during an interview at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Since taking over from Senator Iyorchia Ayu following his court-ordered removal, Damagum faced mounting criticisms from party leaders due to internal conflicts and a leadership crisis. This tension peaked with recent suspensions and counter-suspensions within the NWC. On Friday, Damagum’s faction, through National Director of Publicity Chinwe Nnorom, announced the suspension of National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) over alleged insubordination. In response, Ologunagba’s faction countered by announcing the suspension of Damagum and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, appointing National Treasurer Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as acting National Chairman.

To resolve the escalating tensions, the PDP Governors Forum convened a virtual meeting on Monday but failed to reach a definitive resolution. However, by Tuesday, Governor Bala Mohammed announced that the internal conflicts had been resolved, with operations returning to normal under Damagum’s leadership until the party’s organs could convene to address remaining issues.

“There is no faction within the PDP NWC,” Mohammed confirmed, emphasizing that all suspensions had been annulled and the party was now unified. He called for members to put aside personal grievances for the collective interest of the party and the country, urging unity as the PDP prepares for future elections.

In response to the resolution, Damagum also denied that the party was in crisis, dismissing claims of a division within the PDP as exaggerations. He affirmed that Ologunagba and Ajibade remained active members of the NWC, downplaying the recent internal disputes.

The resolution comes as the PDP prepares for the Ondo State governorship election, with the party launching its campaign in Akure, where Damagum presented the PDP flag to the party’s candidate, Agboola Ajayi. At the rally, key party figures, including Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, reiterated their support for the candidate and called for unity ahead of the November 16 election.

While addressing the crowd, the PDP leaders called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a free, fair, and credible election. They also raised concerns about the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, requesting her removal due to perceived bias, a claim INEC refuted, stating that Babalola was not an indigene of Ondo State.

The resolution of the internal party crisis signals a renewed sense of unity within the PDP as it gears up for critical electoral battles, including the Ondo State gubernatorial race.