The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened, with the faction loyal to the party’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun, threatening to arrest any individuals claiming to hold the chairmanship position without legal authority.
This threat comes amid growing tensions between rival factions within the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Ibrahim Mangu, the party’s Deputy National Secretary, issued the warning during a press conference in Abuja on Monday.
He declared that security agencies would be deployed to enforce a court order recognizing Damagun as the legitimate acting national chair until the party’s national convention scheduled for December 2025.
“We are constrained to express our utter disgust and disappointment in our colleagues’ resort to ‘motor park’ approach to a mere suspension aimed at providing them with the opportunity to clear themselves of certain allegations.
In the face of this reckless violation of a subsisting court order, we are hereby left with no option but to deploy the services of security agencies in the enforcement of the rule of law,” Mangu stated.
The crisis erupted last Thursday when the NWC suspended Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary, and Kamaldeen Ajibade, the National Legal Adviser, citing internal disagreements.
However, in a swift counter-move the following day, Ologunagba, who is believed to have the support of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, announced the suspension of Damagun and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu.
This action effectively split the NWC into two, with Ologunagba proclaiming Yayari Mohammed as the new acting national chairperson.
Despite the internal power struggle, the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order affirming that Damagun remains the rightful acting chairperson until the party’s national convention.
The court ruling served as a significant victory for Damagun’s camp, but tensions have continued to rise as the rival faction pushes forward.
Mangu made it clear that the party would not tolerate any further violations of the court’s directive.
He warned that security forces would be called in to arrest any party members attempting to assume the leadership without court approval.
In his address, Mangu also praised the efforts of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), the PDP Governors’ Forum, and other leaders for their attempts to mediate and bring an amicable resolution to the crisis.
“To this end, I want to very respectfully commend the intervention of the Chairman of the BoT, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, and other well-meaning leaders of the party on the need to seek an amicable solution soonest,” he stated.
Mangu called on party members to rally behind Damagun’s leadership, which he claimed had the backing of several influential figures, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
He urged the party to remain united and focused during this challenging period.
“In conclusion, we charge all our party members to remain focused and keep supporting the PDP leadership under the Acting National Chairman, H.E. Amb Umar Iliya Damagum, until we achieve a lasting solution to our issues,” Mangu said.
'
'
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
