Tension has escalated within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following an attempt to oust National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum, proposing Abdulrahman Mohammed as his replacement. This incident occurred at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, adding to the ongoing leadership conflict as various factions vie for control.
The situation intensified after Mohammed announced his intention to assume the role of Acting National Chairman during a press briefing. He stated that influential party stakeholders had encouraged him to step in during this turbulent time for the PDP.
“I have accepted this role through the mercy of God and the backing of key stakeholders,” Mohammed said, voicing concerns over the party’s declining fortunes. He attributed the party’s struggles to internal disputes and ineffective leadership, which have led to numerous defections over recent years.
“We’ve witnessed a tragic decline from being the ruling party for 16 years to an opposition status for over a decade, largely due to inexplicable defections by governors, legislators, and council chairmen,” he remarked.
Mohammed outlined a three-point agenda aimed at unifying the party, restoring order, and organizing an all-inclusive National Convention to elect a new National Working Committee (NWC) after pending congresses are completed.
“My primary goal as Acting National Chairman is to heal the party, end factionalization, and ensure compliance with laws, ultimately leading to a properly elected NWC,” he stated.
He emphasized the need to return the party to its constituents, declaring, “We must hand over our beloved party back to its true owners, the Nigerian people.”
Earlier that day, tensions had flared at the PDP Secretariat when staff attempted to prevent National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu from entering his office after his suspension by the Damagum-led NWC. The situation escalated, resulting in police intervention and the use of teargas to disperse the protesting staff.
Following the unrest, Mohammed entered Damagum’s office and took his seat, further complicating the leadership crisis. Security forces were deployed to maintain order as the power struggle continued.
