JUST IN : TURMOIL IN PDP AS FACTION INVADES SECRETARIAT DURING LEADERSHIP TRANSITION

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BY JENN NOMAMIUKOR

New strain has engulfed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following an effort on Monday to remove the National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum, and substitute him with Abdulrahman Mohammed.

The event, which occurred at the organization’s National Secretariat in Abuja, contributed to the persistent leadership dispute as various factions continued vying for dominance of the opposition party.

The most recent development occurred soon after Mohammed conducted a press conference in Abuja, where he revealed his aspiration to assume the role of Acting National Chairman.

He expressed that significant party stakeholders had encouraged him to intervene during what he characterized as a challenging time for the PDP.

“I have accepted to become Acting National Chairman at this difficult time through the mercy of God and instrumentality of very critical stakeholders of this party,” he said.

Mohammed, who expressed concern over the party’s dwindling fortunes, blamed internal wrangling and poor leadership for weakening the PDP and triggering waves of defections in recent years.

“We are all aware of the current pitiable state of our glorious party because of the actions and inactions of our leaders and members. From being the ruling party for 16 uninterrupted years to being an opposition party for over 10 years now at the national level, from being a formidable opposition to a now humbled opposition owing to the unexplainable, unconscionable defections of governors, legislators and council chairmen, et al.,” he stated.

He unveiled a three-point agenda focused on uniting the party, restoring order, and organising an all-inclusive National Convention to elect a substantive National Working Committee (NWC) after pending congresses at all levels have taken place.

“My job here as Acting National Chairman is simple: heal the party of its wounds and end factionalisation; reposition the party and make it law-abiding; and plan an all-inclusive National Convention and hand over to a properly elected National Working Committee (NWC) after concluding all the outstanding congresses at the Zonal, State, Local Government and Ward levels,” he said.

Mohammed emphasized that the organization must be restored to the public.

“Hand over this, our beloved party, back to her true owners, the Nigerian people,” he said, adding that a new dawn had come, along with a rebirth for the PDP.

He appealed for unity and support, assuring that consultations were ongoing and that a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting would soon be convened.

“I cannot do this seemingly difficult job alone; I will need all your support, prayers and genuine commitment to join hands on lifting our party upwards,” he added.

Earlier in the day, tensions had escalated at the PDP Secretariat after certain personnel attempted to prevent the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, from accessing his office following his suspension by the Damagum-led NWC. They asserted that he should refrain from returning until the leadership conflict was settled.

Law enforcement was summoned to intervene and deployed teargas to disperse the protesting staff who obstructed the National Secretary’s entrance. The altercation occurred while Damagum was absent from the premises.

Mohammed Enters Damagum’s Office

Shortly after the confrontation, another faction infiltrated the PDP headquarters.

In an act of defiance, Mohammed entered Damagum’s office and occupied the chairman’s position despite Damagum’s absence, a move that further exacerbated the leadership crisis.

Security personnel from the FCT Police Command were later deployed to maintain order and secure the facility as the power struggle intensified.