The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in turmoil, and the North-Central region is refusing to be dragged into the chaos. In a bold move, stakeholders from this zone have openly rejected the alleged suspension and removal of the party’s National Chairman, Malam Umar Damagum, by the faction led by Sen. Anyanwu. But here’s where it gets controversial: they’ve also dismissed the appointment of Abdulrahman Mohammed as the new acting National Chairman, labeling it as part of a desperate scheme to destabilize the party.
Following a meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, the group issued a statement condemning these actions. Francis Orogu, the spokesperson and Secretary of the PDP North Central, described the crisis as yet another avoidable political debacle. He stressed the need for wisdom, prudence, and the immediate implementation of pending NEC decisions to strengthen the PDP ahead of its upcoming National Convention. Orogu lamented that certain individuals are attempting to pull the North Central Zone into their destructive schemes, including the controversial appointment of Mohammed.
Orogu advised Mohammed, who was purportedly appointed by a “four-member National Working Committee (NWC),” to distance himself from actions that could deepen the party’s crisis. Meanwhile, the PDP National Ex-Officio Forum has slammed what it calls an unlawful invasion of the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja by Anyanwu and his supporters. The forum’s Chairman, Clement Faboyede, and Secretary, Mrs. Hassan Comfort, labeled the incident as a reckless display of political lawlessness and an affront to democratic principles.
They further described these actions as anti-party activities, a direct assault on the PDP, a violation of the party’s constitution, and a declaration of war against internal democracy. “What happened at Wadata Plaza was not just an attack on individuals but an attempt to desecrate an institution built on decades of sacrifice, vision, and democratic commitment,” the forum stated. They added that those behind this plot have only exposed their disdain for order and their contempt for the millions of PDP faithful nationwide.
The forum reaffirmed its unwavering support for Damagum, hailing him as the legitimate National Chairman of the PDP. “We stand firm behind Damagum, a symbol of stability, inclusiveness, and credible leadership,” they declared. Under his leadership, the PDP has pursued peace, reconciliation, and reform, and the forum vowed that the party would not be hijacked by opportunists or held hostage by power-hungry individuals.
The forum called on all genuine party members, organs, and stakeholders across Nigeria to remain calm and committed to the PDP’s ideals. They expressed confidence that truth, justice, and the rule of law would ultimately triumph over impunity and disorder. Additionally, they urged security agencies to protect the sanctity of the PDP’s national institutions and hold the perpetrators accountable.
In a surprising twist, the Forum of Youth Leaders across the 36 states and Abuja FCT has thrown its weight behind Mohammed. Spokesperson Jamilu Ali welcomed Mohammed’s emergence, urging him to resolve internal party disputes. The group pledged its solidarity, stating, “We are happy to have someone like him, especially as a youth.” They called on all stakeholders to support Mohammed in stabilizing the party, uniting warring factions, and creating a conducive environment for the PDP to thrive. Ali emphasized, “There is no party constitution that is above the Nigerian constitution.”
Comrade Brian Odion, the forum’s Secretary from Cross River, dismissed the idea of factions, asserting, “In PDP, we are one.” He added, “We believe PDP is united, but we stand with those calling for the right thing to be done. Nobody can oppose doing what is right.”
And this is the part most people miss: While one faction accuses the other of lawlessness, the other claims to be restoring order. Who is truly acting in the party’s best interest? Is Mohammed’s appointment a step toward unity or a deeper divide? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments—is this crisis a necessary growing pain or a symptom of deeper systemic issues within the PDP?
