The internal crisis rocking the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has worsened as former governors Samuel Ortom of Benue State and Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State have declared their support for the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Their endorsements, announced on Sunday, further widened the rift ahead of the party’s National Elective Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Loyalists of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other stakeholders are reportedly regrouping to counter the Wike camp and reclaim control of the party structure.
Both Ortom and Fayose issued separate statements aligning with the faction led by the PDP National Vice Chairman (North Central), Abdulrahman Mohammed, while criticising the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, for allegedly deepening the party’s internal divisions through poor leadership and exclusionary politics.
The opposition party has been embroiled in a leadership crisis marked by conflicting suspensions and counter-suspensions. On Saturday, the Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) suspended National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu and three others for alleged anti-party activities. In retaliation, Anyanwu’s faction announced the suspension of Damagum, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, and Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja over alleged financial misconduct and incompetence.
The turmoil followed a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, which halted preparations for the PDP convention pending compliance with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act. Justice James Omotosho ordered an indefinite suspension of all convention activities, a decision that has further polarised the party.
Ortom, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, faulted the Damagum-led leadership for ignoring calls for inclusiveness and reconciliation, saying: “Democracy thrives when people of diverse views come together for the common good. Unfortunately, a few individuals have attempted to run the party without recourse to collective consultation.”
He described Abdulrahman Mohammed’s emergence as acting National Chairman as “a chance to rebuild trust and restore stability,” urging party organs to rally around reconciliation efforts.
Similarly, Fayose endorsed Damagum’s suspension, calling it “a necessary step to save the PDP from total collapse.” Speaking to journalists in Ado Ekiti, the former governor said, “The Damagum-led NWC are undertakers, they have come to bury the party. But perhaps, Abdulrahman can be the doctor that revives it.”
Fayose accused Damagum of arrogance and incompetence, drawing parallels between him and former National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu. “Damagum will go the way of Ayu,” he said. “He manipulated the process to remain in office and caused widespread confusion. We will support Abdulrahman to reposition the PDP and prepare it for the convention.”
With both factions trading suspensions and accusations, analysts warn that the party’s unity, and its readiness for future elections, may hinge on whether reconciliation efforts succeed before the Ibadan convention.
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