Segun Adeyemi

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<h2>The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has come under scrutiny following allegations of a secret meeting with President Bola Tinubu, a claim that has sparked internal party discontent.</h2>

Kola Ologbondiyan, a former National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, has openly criticised Damagum, accusing him of lacking commitment to the party’s growth.

“How can the head of the leading opposition party be accused of meeting with the President of the ruling government without a response?” Ologbondiyan questioned, suggesting the silence undermines party credibility.

Ologbondiyan expressed concern over the party’s <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/politics/damagum-misses-out-as-pdp-governors-target-north-central-for-new-chairman/cpl24fs">dwindling fortunes under Damagum’s leadership. </a>

He lamented the PDP’s poor showing in the recent Ondo governorship election and cautioned against further electoral setbacks.

“It is reprehensible that the Acting National Chairman is supervising the dishevelling of the party,” he said, adding, “Amb. Damagum has the least interest in working for the success of the party in any election.”

The former spokesperson warned that the absence of a substantive national chairman could spell disaster for upcoming off-season elections in Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun.

He urged party stakeholders to <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/politics/tension-in-pdp-as-nwc-faction-suspends-damagum-anyanwu-others/mxjpz2e">urgently address the leadership vacuum to prevent a repeat of the PDP’s recent losses</a> in Kogi, Imo, and Ondo.

Party insiders are reportedly calling for decisive action to stabilise the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections, as concerns mount over its role as a viable opposition force.

L-R: Acting PDP chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum and President Bola Tinubu. [Facebook/X, formerly Twitter].

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has come under scrutiny following allegations of a secret meeting with President Bola Tinubu, a claim that has sparked internal party discontent.

Ondo poll: Acting PDP chair Damagum accused of secret meeting with Tinubu

<h2>Former Benue State Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has called for the immediate removal of Umar Damagum, the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing leadership failures and poor performance. </h2>

Suswam voiced his concerns during an expanded caucus meeting of the PDP in Makurdi, stressing that Damagum's leadership is leading the party astray.

"Damagum must go, whether they like it or not," Suswam declared, accusing the party's national leadership of undermining the PDP's integrity.

He claimed that Damagum has turned the party into a "business venture" and is unfit to continue in his current position.

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/politics/damagum-misses-out-as-pdp-governors-target-north-central-for-new-chairman/cpl24fs">Damagum out as PDP governors focus on new chairman from North-Central</a>

Suswam further revealed what he called "conspiracies" within the PDP's national leadership, which he believes are aimed at destroying the party.

He criticised the recent local government and state congresses in Benue State, referring to them as "kangaroo congresses."

According to him, the delegates chosen were not legitimate since there were no proper ward or local government congresses to validate the process.

"The process was a sham, and it will not stand," Suswam declared, promising to explore alternative ways to resolve the crisis and ensure a fair outcome.

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/politics/bode-george-slams-fayose-for-endorsing-apcs-oyebanji-re-election-in-ekiti/2vqfek9">Bode George lambasts Fayose for endorsing APC Gov Oyebanji’s re-election</a>

Benue State PDP Chairman Christian Adaba Abah commended party members for their unwavering support despite the challenges.

"You will not regret your loyalty to the party," Abah reassured, encouraging members to stay committed.

Other party leaders, including Udu Nyitse, Cletus Upaa, John Ngbede, and Hyacinth Inyakuma, expressed confidence in the party's future, particularly as they prepare for the 2027 elections, emphasising their optimism for the party's resilience amidst the ongoing crisis.

L-R: Former Benue State governor, Gabriel Suswam and PDP acting chairman, Umar Damagum. [Facebook]

Former Benue State Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has called for the immediate removal of Umar Damagum, the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing leadership failures and poor performance.

'He must go!' - Suswam demands PDP chairman Damagum's removal

<h2>The internal rift within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) intensified as Umar Illiya Damagum, the acting National Chairman, instructed security agencies to arrest Ahmed Yayari Mohammed, the factional party chairman, following allegations of contempt for a court order. </h2>

The directive comes amid accusations that Mohammed's faction violated legal rulings concerning their legitimacy within the party. Damagum's decision followed a heated series of suspensions within the PDP.

Recently, the PDP has been rocked by a series of suspensions, including prominent party officials such as National Publicity Secretary Hon. Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade. These suspensions, citing their involvement in 'anti-party activities' linked to internal disputes in Rivers State, have had a significant impact on the party's operations.

In response, Mohammed's faction announced the suspension of both Damagum and PDP National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, alleging that the two had sabotaged the party's interests.

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/politics/tension-in-pdp-as-nwc-faction-suspends-damagum-anyanwu-others/mxjpz2e">Fresh crisis rocks PDP as NWC faction suspends Damagum, Anyanwu, others</a>

"This tit-for-tat suspension only deepens the divide within the PDP and shows blatant disregard for our constitution and judicial rulings," Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga, Acting National Publicity Secretary for Damagum's faction, declared during a press briefing.

According to Manga, security intervention was necessary to uphold court rulings and "restore order" within the PDP.

The Damagum-led faction reaffirmed that all recent actions, including the suspensions, were conducted under the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) meeting held on October 10, 2024.

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/politics/fresh-twist-as-court-bars-pdp-nec-bot-from-sacking-damagum/n09mx00">Drama as court bars PDP NEC, BoT from sacking Damagum</a>

Manga expressed disappointment over Mohammed's faction's tactics, labelling them as "a motor park approach to a mere suspension."

He added, "We urge our members to support the leadership of H.E. Amb Umar Illiya Damagum in seeking a lasting resolution. It's unfortunate to see certain individuals risking the party's future by disregarding the collective decisions of their colleagues."

As tensions rise, both factions continue to accuse each other of destabilising the PDP.

Observers now watch to see if security agencies will enforce Damagum's call for Mohammed's arrest, potentially reshaping the party's fragile stability.

The PDP acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum. [Daily Trust]

The internal rift within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) intensified as Umar Illiya Damagum, the acting National Chairman, instructed security agencies to arrest Ahmed Yayari Mohammed, the factional party chairman, following allegations of contempt for a court order.

Damagum orders arrest of PDP factional chairman amid deepening party crisis

<h3>In a dramatic twist to the ongoing internal crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a restraining order preventing the National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party from removing Umar Damagum as the Acting National Chairman.</h3>

This injunction reinforces Damagum’s leadership until the party’s upcoming national convention slated for December next year.

Justice Lifu’s order, delivered on Friday, October 11 came in response to a suit filed by Senator Umar El-Gash Maina, who raised concerns about an <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/politics/tension-in-pdp-as-nwc-faction-suspends-damagum-anyanwu-others/mxjpz2e">alleged plot within the party to prematurely replace Damagum. </a>

According to Maina, influential PDP stakeholders have been “holding clandestine meetings” aimed at installing former Kogi State deputy governor Phillip Salawu as Damagum’s replacement. This alleged plan, Maina argued, is a direct violation of the party’s constitution.

The judge upheld Maina’s concerns, affirming that any alteration to PDP’s national leadership can only occur at a national convention or through a court order.

Citing Articles 42, 47, and 67 of the PDP’s constitution, Justice Lifu clarified, “National officers can only be elected at the party’s convention, not through informal agreements or unsanctioned meetings.”

He stressed that all PDP members must act in accordance with the party’s rules, adding that any attempts to deviate from the party’s guidelines risk undermining internal stability.

Maina, who chairs the PDP in Yobe State, argued that party members, particularly from the northern region, stood to be deprived of their rightful representation if Damagum’s tenure was prematurely ended.

His legal representative, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Joshua Musa, presented evidence indicating that letters had been submitted to the party’s national secretary, Samuel Anyanwu,<a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/politics/pdp-nwc-suspends-national-officers-amid-investigation/05hzj9m"> requesting intervention in the situation. </a>

However, these letters reportedly went unheeded by the national secretary and the BoT members.

Justice Lifu, after reviewing the evidence and PDP’s constitutional articles, affirmed Maina’s position that Damagum’s tenure should remain intact until the scheduled convention.

“The northern region’s unexhausted four-year tenure cannot be truncated without a convention,” he ruled, warning that bypassing these established processes would “constitute an affront to the PDP Constitution.”

The court also rejected arguments from the PDP NEC and BoT, claiming that Maina lacked the legal standing to bring the case forward.

Justice Lifu underscored that the plaintiff, having presented his PDP membership card and highlighting key constitutional concerns, had sufficient interest to ensure the party’s constitution was respected.

The judge concluded that Maina’s suit was both justiciable and critical in preserving party stability and preventing the potential disenfranchisement of members in the northern region.

<h3>Over 100 PDP support groups rally behind Damagum</h3>

Meanwhile, over 100 support groups have publicly affirmed their support for Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and his leadership of the NWC.

The groups, unified under the Foundational Support Groups banner, have criticised recent efforts to oust Damagum, labelling these attempts as "anti-democratic" and damaging to party unity.

Following a federal high court ruling in Abuja, the groups urged party members to respect constitutional processes.

“The PDP’s internal wrangling must be resolved through constitutional means,” stated Alhaji Adamu Abubakar, Chairman of the coalition. “We reject any attempts to circumvent this process and reaffirm our commitment to democratic principles.”

The coalition lauded Damagum’s tenure, praising his dedication to party reorganisation and unity.

“The leadership of Umar Damagum has brought a breath of fresh air to the PDP, rekindling hope among party faithful and Nigerians at large,” the groups stated.

His emphasis on inclusivity and direct engagement has reportedly fostered cooperation and addressed long-standing grievances within the party.

As the PDP navigates internal challenges, Damagum’s supporters remain hopeful that his leadership will strengthen the party’s prospects and restore its position as a strong opposition force.

Embattled PDP acting-chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum. [Facebook/Getty Images]

In a dramatic twist to the ongoing internal crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a restraining order preventing the National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party from removing Umar Damagum as the Acting National Chairman.

Drama as court bars PDP NEC, BoT from sacking Damagum

<h2>The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is embroiled in a deepening internal crisis as a faction within the National Working Committee (NWC) has suspended National Chairman Umar Damagum and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu. </h2>

This latest suspension comes on the heels of disciplinary actions against other high-ranking party members, indicating a sharp division within Nigeria’s primary opposition party.

The factional dispute emerged following the suspension of National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, who had called for party leaders to uphold the PDP constitution strictly.

These suspensions were announced by the PDP’s National Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom, who revealed the decision was made during the NWC’s 593rd meeting.

According to Nnorom, both Ologunagba and Ajibade have been instructed to “step aside pending an investigation into allegations against them.”

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/court-stops-pdp-from-dissolving-pro-wike-pdp-excos-in-rivers/2s8frvh">Court stops PDP, its governors from dissolving pro-Wike PDP EXCOs in Rivers</a>

In response, Ologunagba issued a counterstatement on Friday, announcing that the NWC had decided to suspend Damagum and Anyanwu due to concerns over their recent actions.

Specifically, the faction cited a contentious letter the two leaders sent to the Court of Appeal, opposing the PDP’s stance in a case involving 27 former Rivers State Assembly members who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The National Working Committee condemns the anti-party activities of the Acting National Chairman and National Secretary, which violate the PDP Constitution and their Oath of Office,” the statement read, invoking sections 57, 58, and 59 of the party’s constitution.

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/court-gives-fresh-ruling-in-pdp-leadership-dispute/zw0ns4q">Court gives fresh order in purported move to unseat Damagun as PDP acting chair</a>

This internal clash underscores ongoing power struggles within the PDP, with the NWC appointing a committee, led by Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate the allegations further.

For now, Damagum and Anyanwu are barred from participating in all NWC meetings and activities pending the committee’s findings. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for the PDP’s leadership and unity as the party approaches critical elections.

Umar Damagum, the acting Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party. [Daily Nigerian]

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is embroiled in a deepening internal crisis as a faction within the National Working Committee (NWC) has suspended National Chairman Umar Damagum and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu.

Fresh crisis rocks PDP as NWC faction suspends Damagum, Anyanwu, others

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Umar Damagum

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