Leadership Struggle and Suspensions Deepen Crisis in Nigeria's PDP: Calls for Unity Amidst Internal Conflicts

Late last week, members of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) began suspending and counter-suspending one another, intensifying the party's ongoing turmoil. The NWC, chaired by Umar Damagum, initially suspended National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade. Shortly afterward, the Ajibade faction announced the suspension of Damagum and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, escalating the conflict.

As a result, Alhaji Yayari Mohammed emerged as a factional National Chairman following an Abuja Federal High Court decision that restrained the party's Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Committee (NEC) from deposing Damagum. The court ruled that Damagum should remain the recognized acting national chairman until the party's national conference in December of the following year.

In response to the escalating conflict, PDP governors intervened, calling for a continuation of the status quo. Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant on Public Communication to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, expressed concerns about the party's future, warning that failure to resolve the leadership struggle could lead to a one-party state dominated by the ruling APC.

As shared by DAILY POST; Shaibu stated, "If it's unresolved, and those working for the APC succeed, it will result in a one-party state. There are people within the party who boast about working for the APC while still claiming PDP membership."

He further criticized the ongoing political maneuvering, suggesting that some party members prioritize personal gain over the party's interests. Shaibu warned that if the crisis persists, it would compromise the PDP's future and weaken its ability to serve as a viable opposition.

Shaibu also commented on the political ambitions of President Bola Tinubu, alleging that his administration's strategy could replicate a one-party system in Lagos State, where opposition voices are suppressed. He argued that some individuals have fueled the PDP's internal conflicts since the 2023 elections and continue to do so for personal and financial gain.

Regarding unity within the party, Shaibu reaffirmed Atiku's commitment to the PDP, denying the existence of any faction. He added, "Atiku belongs to the PDP and believes in its unity. Claims of factionalism are unfounded."

Shaibu did not rule out the possibility of reconciliation between Atiku and Nyesom Wike before 2027, noting that in politics, anything is possible.