The PDP’s internal crisis deepens as factions led by Umar Damagum and Yayari Mohammed clash, threatening security measures and legal battles.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated, with two rival factions clashing over leadership claims and legal orders.

Yayari Mohammed, the newly emerged factional acting National Chairman, has challenged the rival National Working Committee (NWC), led by Umar Damagum, following threats of security action.

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During a press conference on Monday in Abuja, the acting National Publicity Secretary of the Damagum-led faction, Ibrahim Abdullahi, warned that the party would take necessary security measures to uphold the rule of law amid the ongoing leadership tussle.

The PDP has been embroiled in internal conflict since 2022, leading to the emergence of two factions within its NWC.

This crisis intensified on Friday when the party’s national leadership split, with Umar Damagum and Yayari Mohammed leading opposing sides.

The faction led by Damagum had earlier suspended the party’s National Legal Adviser, Adeyemi Ajibade, and National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, following its 593rd meeting.

In response, Ologunagba announced the suspension of Damagum and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, citing complaints lodged against them.

Amid the leadership turmoil, a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered that no other person besides Damagum should be recognised as the PDP’s acting national chairman until the party’s convention in December 2025.

Justice Peter Lifu’s ruling, delivered via Zoom, restrained the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees from removing Damagum from his position.

At a press conference on Monday, Abdullahi warned Mohammed’s faction not to disregard the court order. “Certain actions must be guided by the party’s constitution, not personal interests,” he stated, adding that security agencies could be deployed to enforce compliance with the legal ruling.

However, Yayari Mohammed, in an interview with press, dismissed the security threats, asserting that his faction would continue to engage party organs, including the governors’ forum and Board of Trustees.

Mohammed expressed confidence that party leaders would soon take a stance on the issue, saying, “We are not worried about any threats; they should carry out theirs.”

Meanwhile, PDP governors held an emergency virtual meeting on Monday to address the crisis. The meeting, chaired by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, adjourned without reaching a resolution, with discussions scheduled to continue on Tuesday.

The split among the governors has further complicated efforts to find a compromise. Seven governors, including Bala Mohammed and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, are pushing for Damagum’s removal, while Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and three others are opposed to his ouster.

Despite the deepening divisions, some party members remain optimistic that the crisis will not result in the collapse of the PDP.

Dr Adetokunbo Pearse, a party chieftain, characterised the situation as a power tussle, not a structural breakdown, assuring that it would be resolved before the NEC meeting scheduled for October 24.