Former Rivers State Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has solidified his influence over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the party’s governors have nullified the suspension of acting National Chairman Iliya Damagum. This decisive move underscores Wike’s continued commitment to ensuring the stability and unity of the party amidst ongoing internal conflicts.
The governors have also reinstated National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, as part of their efforts to maintain party cohesion. This announcement was made by Bala Mohammed, the Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, during a press conference on Tuesday morning.
In a statement, Mohammed emphasized that the party’s current leadership structure remains intact for the time being, asserting the importance of unity in navigating the challenges ahead. He stated, “The status quo remains for now,” as he prepared to travel to Ondo for what he termed a “crucial assignment.”
This decision comes on the heels of a tumultuous period within the party, marked by a split in the National Working Committee (NWC), leading to the temporary suspension of key party members, including Damagum’s rival, Yayari Mohammed. Despite being named as Damagum’s replacement, Mohammed expressed concerns about the PDP’s effectiveness as a credible opposition, citing “conflict of interests—personal or political” among some NWC leaders.
In a recent statement, Mohammed asserted that these personal interests have taken precedence over the party’s broader agenda, hampering its ability to function as a viable opposition. He lamented, “This state of affairs continues to affect the performance and viability of our party to perform its role as expected as a platform which Nigerians have come to admire.”
He further emphasized the need for a revitalized PDP that aligns with the vision of its founding fathers, advocating for a leadership that can rekindle the hopes and aspirations of its members, particularly the youth. He stated, “Only this will guarantee and engender loyalty and commitment from our teeming members.”
