In this piece, Muhammed Lawal delves into the growing internal strife within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its potential impact on the upcoming Ondo State governorship election. With the party’s leadership facing deep divisions, efforts at reconciliation are seen as crucial to the PDP’s success in the polls.
The saying by the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, that “a house divided against itself cannot stand” resonates with the current state of the PDP. The party, which has long prided itself as Nigeria’s main opposition force, is grappling with internal crises that are now threatening its cohesion.
At the center of the turmoil is the embattled acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, whose leadership has been met with resistance from within the party. Damagum, formerly the National Deputy Chairman (North), took over as acting chairman following a court-ordered suspension of the party’s former chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, in March 2023.
Although Damagum has managed to withstand several attempts to remove him, the growing calls for his replacement have sparked a fierce battle for control within the PDP.
### Rift Deepens
The situation escalated when some party members accused Damagum of failing to implement much-needed reforms. The dissent reached a boiling point when 60 members of the House of Representatives called for his resignation, insisting that the position should go to someone from the North Central region.
However, the House minority caucus, led by Kingsley Chinda, distanced itself from the faction opposing Damagum. This division was on full display during a recent caucus gathering, where lawmakers were split between those supporting Damagum and those calling for his removal.
Despite efforts to stabilize the party, a pre-scheduled National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on April 18, 2024, which was intended to pass a vote of confidence in Damagum, was derailed by the ongoing factional disputes.
### Legal Battles and Removal Plots
Tensions heightened in June when the PDP filed a countermotion against a Federal High Court ruling that temporarily barred the party from removing Damagum. This legal battle has only added to the uncertainty surrounding the chairman’s future.
With the next NEC meeting slated for October 24, party members from the North Central zone have continued to push for Damagum’s removal, citing Section 47(6) of the PDP constitution, which stipulates that any vacancy in party offices should be filled by someone from the same region as the departing officer. This has led to disagreements between key PDP figures about which region should produce Damagum’s successor.
While some, like former National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan, argue that the replacement should come from the North Central, others, such as Segun Showunmi, contend that the position should not be limited to that zone.
Amid these growing calls for Damagum’s ousting, PDP governors from the North-East have thrown their weight behind the embattled chairman, urging him to remain in office until the end of Ayu’s original tenure. However, the North Central leadership continues to seek a replacement ahead of the crucial NEC meeting.
### Ondo Election and Reconciliation Efforts
With the Ondo State governorship election fast approaching, the PDP’s internal conflicts have raised concerns about the party’s chances in the polls. Party stakeholders have emphasized the importance of resolving the leadership crisis before the election, warning that failure to do so could lead to significant electoral setbacks.
In an attempt to address these issues, PDP Governors Forum Chairman Bala Mohammed recently announced that reconciliation efforts were underway. He reassured party members that the internal conflicts would be resolved ahead of the election, and that operations within the party’s National Working Committee had returned to normal.
However, some party officials remain skeptical. Lagos State PDP Vice Chairman Tai Benedict stressed that the crisis must be resolved quickly to avoid jeopardizing the party’s chances in Ondo. He also warned that if the conflict persists, it could affect upcoming zonal elections and the party’s overall future.
Meanwhile, Abia State PDP Vice Chairman Abraham Amah expressed optimism that the party would overcome its internal challenges, insisting that Damagum’s leadership remains legitimate under the party’s constitution. Amah also pointed out that the National Working Committee was the only body authorized to handle the ongoing conflicts, including the disputes between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
As the PDP continues its reconciliation efforts, it remains to be seen whether the party can heal its divisions in time to secure victory in the Ondo State governorship election. With tensions running high, the coming weeks will be critical for the future of the PDP as Nigeria’s main opposition party.
