The recent political developments within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have highlighted tensions and internal conflicts among its ranks, especially following the suspension and counter-suspension of various National Working Committee (NWC) members. Bala Mohammed, the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, announced that the suspensions enacted by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum—including those affecting National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN)—have been annulled. This reinstatement marks a return to the previous status quo under Damagum’s leadership, aiming to unify a party that is grappling with rising factions and divisions.
Since his appointment as acting National Chairman following Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s court removal, Damagum has faced significant criticism and challenges from within the party. There is particular attention on the fractious relationship between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, suggesting that the ongoing PDP crisis could have strong regional implications. In an effort to quell these growing tensions, a resolution was sought through a Zoom meeting of the PDP Governors Forum, which ultimately concluded that internal disputes were to be set aside and the unified leadership structure restored.
Governor Mohammed announced that the NWC has resolved its conflicts without the divisions that had previously emerged, emphasizing that there is no longer a faction within the party. This sentiment echoed the need for cohesion and collaboration within the PDP, suggesting that the party must move past personal grievances and work collectively to embrace its responsibility as Nigeria’s most experienced political party. Mohammed asserted that such unity is crucial, urging party members to prioritize the PDP’s historical legacy and governance experiences over personal emotional responses that could further exacerbate divisions.
The commitment to unity was further exemplified at a rally in Akure, Ondo State, where the PDP launched its campaign for the upcoming governorship election set for November 16. During this event, attended by numerous party leaders, including the governors of Oyo and Osun states, the emphasis was placed on collective action against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which the party claims has inflicted economic hardship on the citizens. Agboola Ajayi, the party’s candidate for the governorship election, received the party flag and was urged by party leaders to protect their votes, indicating the PDP’s readiness to challenge the incumbent government and reclaim the state.
In a demonstration of solidarity among party leadership, Governor Mohammed reaffirmed that all 13 PDP governors support the campaign in Ondo State, which they argue should remain under PDP governance. As the campaign gears up, party leaders pointed out the necessity for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process. Calls for change resonate throughout party rhetoric; both Ajayi and Governor Makinde expressed concerns about the impartiality of Ondo State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Toyin Babalola, demanding her reassignment due to alleged biases that could jeopardize fair election practices.
Amid these allegations, INEC countered claims made by Governor Makinde, clarifying that TyoBabalola is not an indigene of Ondo State, thereby adhering to its policy against deploying officials to their state of origin. This assertion highlights ongoing tensions between state leadership and electoral oversight bodies, revealing the fragile trust that exists in Nigeria’s political landscape. As the campaign for the Ondo governorship intensifies, the emphasis remains on maintaining party unity, ensuring free and fair elections, and addressing allegations of misconduct among electoral officials, setting the stage for a critical test of the PDP’s resilience and organizational strength in the face of internal strife and external opposition.
