The internal rift within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened yesterday, as state chairmen across the country reaffirmed their loyalty to Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum – just as a faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, inaugurated a new Board of Trustees, (BoT).
Recall that after a crucial meeting in Abuja on Thursday attended by 29 state chairmen, the Forum of PDP State Chairmen declared “total support” for Damagum, dismissing claims of any parallel leadership within the opposition party.
In a communiqué jointly signed by Tony Aziegbemi (Edo) and Edward Marshal (Kaduna), the forum described Damagum as “the authentic National Chairman of the PDP”, and commended the unity within the party’s National Working Committee, (NWC).
The chairmen also hailed the recent court ruling by Justice Akintola, which cleared the way for the PDP’s National Elective Convention slated for November 15–16 in Ibadan. They urged delegates to prepare for the exercise and ensure the emergence of credible leaders who would strengthen the party ahead of future elections.
Reaffirming their alignment with the PDP Governors’ Forum and the Wabara-led BoT, the forum warned that any attempt to float a parallel leadership structure amounted to “sabotage against party stability.” They specifically distanced themselves from the AbdulRahman-led faction believed to be loyal to Wike, stressing that “the PDP has only one National Chairman, Umar Damagum”.
However, in a parallel move yesterday, the Wike-backed faction inaugurated its own BoT, signaling a widening division within the party. Factional Acting Chairman AbdulRahman Mohammed accused the Wabara-led BoT of having “lost moral balance”, insisting the new Board would restore the PDP’s founding ideals of justice, fairness, and inclusivity.
Mohammed also faulted Damagum’s leadership, alleging he had chosen “convenience over the constitution”. According to him, Wabara’s suspension by the Abia State chapter for alleged anti-party activities justified the need for a fresh advisory body.
The faction vowed to rebuild internal trust and discipline within the PDP, while the mainstream leadership under Damagum pledged to uphold unity and prepare for the upcoming convention in Ibadan – setting the stage for a major showdown over control of the opposition party.
