The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is engulfed in a deepening crisis as two rival factions have emerged, leading to a series of internal suspensions. The faction led by Acting National Chairman Amb. Illiya Damagum suspended National Legal Adviser Adeyemi Ajibade and National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, accusing them of disloyalty and insubordination. In response, Ajibade’s faction hit back, suspending Damagum and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, accusing them of anti-party activities.
The internal discord was made evident after a turbulent National Working Committee (NWC) meeting held on October 10, 2024. Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga, the Acting National Publicity Secretary, announced that Ajibade and Ologunagba were suspended following allegations of disloyalty. Their deputies, Ibrahim Abdullahi and Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha, were appointed to serve in an interim capacity. However, Ologunagba, in a statement, fired back, criticizing Damagum and Anyanwu for violating the PDP constitution by acting against the party’s interests in a court case involving 27 former Rivers State House of Assembly members who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
During the emergency NWC meeting, tensions flared as Ajibade and others walked out, with National Financial Secretary Daniel Woyegikuro vocally opposing the proceedings. The heated session, characterized by shouting and table-banging, eventually ended without any resolutions as Damagum abruptly called off the meeting.
This clash is widely seen as a battle for control within the PDP, with some members accusing the Damagum-led faction of siding with former Rivers State Governor and current Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. The crisis appears linked to disputes over the control of Rivers State PDP, with accusations that the faction is attempting to weaken the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sources suggest that financial incentives may be influencing the internal rift, as party officials loyal to Wike are reportedly being pressured to suspend those opposing his dominance. The embattled members have been accused of hindering efforts to consolidate power within the party, particularly in Rivers State. The stakes are high as both factions continue to vie for supremacy within the PDP, threatening to split the party further.
The situation remains fluid, and the future of the PDP leadership hangs in the balance as investigations into alleged anti-party activities continue.