The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is facing its worst internal crisis, as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by Acting Chairman Umar Damagum, has officially called in security agencies to intervene. This dramatic move comes as a bitter power struggle threatens to tear the party apart, with accusations flying that the Damagum-led NWC is working in favor of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at the PDP’s national secretariat in Abuja, Acting National Publicity Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi revealed that security forces were brought in to enforce a court order and protect the party’s leadership. The Yayari Mohammed-led faction has been challenging Damagum’s position, despite a court order preventing any move to unseat him.
“This reckless disregard for the law has left us with no choice but to seek the assistance of security agencies to uphold the rule of law,” Abdullahi stated during a media briefing.
The crisis took a new twist as supporters of the Yayari Mohammed faction accused the Damagum-led NWC of working with APC to weaken the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections, allegedly to give President Bola Tinubu a clear path to re-election.
The internal rift has left the PDP leadership in disarray, with a suspended National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, facing investigations for alleged “abuse of office and insubordination.”
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This infighting has sparked fears among PDP supporters, who worry that the party’s continued instability could damage its chances in future elections. With the involvement of security agencies, some critics are raising concerns about the party’s internal democracy and whether the use of force is necessary to resolve an internal dispute.
As the crisis unfolds, political analysts warn that the PDP’s weakened state could have far-reaching consequences, especially in an election year. The public perception of a fractured opposition could give the ruling APC the upper hand, potentially reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape for years to come.
With tensions high, all eyes are on the PDP to see if it can pull itself together or if the power struggle will lead to further divisions that could cripple the party.
