By outdoor-nature-child.com Chuks Okocha in Abuja
As we look forward to the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scheduled for October 24, 2024, it’s evident that a fierce power struggle is brewing among key factions. This tension particularly involves state governors from the party, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—who was also the 2023 presidential candidate—and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The internal conflict has escalated recently, especially following the suspension of Ali Odefa, the National Vice Chairman for the South East zone, during a session in Oguduokwor Ward, Ebonyi State.
At the center of this clash is the critical question of who will take on the role of national chairman for the PDP. Ambassador Iliya Damagum has been serving in an acting capacity since last year, following Dr. Iyorchia Ayu’s removal due to a ward suspension. According to Section 45(2) of the PDP constitution, an acting chairman can hold the position until an official replacement is elected, a safeguard designed to prevent chaos in case Ayu is reinstated by the courts after a successor has already been named.
After a recent NEC meeting saw the Wike-led faction gain the upper hand over Atiku’s camp, it appears that Wike and his allies are positioning themselves for a stronger grip on the party as it gears up for the upcoming 2027 elections. If they choose to replace the acting chairman, Section 47(6) of the PDP constitution will be significant, as it specifies who can step in to fill a vacancy created by Ayu’s departure. Sources indicate that Emmanuel Agbo, the former Deputy National Secretary and current Director General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, is being prepared for this leadership position. Additionally, support is reportedly being considered for David Ombagudu, a gubernatorial candidate from Nasarawa State.
Amidst these developments, there are rumors suggesting that Damagum and his backers may exploit legal loopholes to maintain control until December 9, 2025, when the current NEC is set to conclude. The provisions of Section 45(2) provide a robust basis for them to argue in favor of the current situation, as it acknowledges the deputy chairman’s capacity to step up in the National Chairman’s absence.
Kola Ologbondiyan, a key figure within the PDP, emphasizes that the North-central geo-political zone has the legitimate right to propose a replacement for Ayu. He points out that the party’s constitution is explicit on this issue, particularly Section 47(6), which has been in effect since 2017. Ologbondiyan also noted that there is backing from party members in the North-eastern states urging their North-central colleagues to take action.
The campaign to remove Damagum has accentuated the divisions among the thirteen PDP state governors. A faction of seven governors, led by Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, is advocating for his ouster, while a smaller group of four, led by Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, is in favor of keeping him. The pro-Damagum faction maintains close ties with Wike, further raising tensions over who rightfully commands the party structure, notably following a power transition in Rivers State that has favored Wike over the incumbent governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Bala Mohammed has publicly declared that Damagum’s position is now untenable, and several governors have voiced their opinions on social media. While both Seyi Makinde and Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa have expressed support for Damagum, a number of others—including governors from Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa-Ibom—are believed to oppose him.
Against this backdrop, Atiku Abubakar, who has previously stood at odds with Wike, is actively reaching out to party members, including those who are against Damagum. Insiders reveal that Atiku is prioritizing adherence to the PDP’s constitutional framework as they navigate through these challenges.
In light of these complex dynamics, the upcoming NEC meeting is poised to be a pivotal point for the PDP. With tensions on the rise—exemplified by Ali Odefa’s recent suspension amid allegations of anti-party activities—the urgent need for unity within the party is increasingly apparent.
Herbert Onyedikachi, the acting chairman of the PDP’s Oguduokwor Ward, stated during a recent press briefing that the suspension is aimed at maintaining party discipline. These unfolding events suggest that the landscape within the PDP remains fraught with volatility as key players vie for supremacy leading up to the NEC meeting. The outcomes of these power struggles could significantly influence the party’s trajectory in forthcoming elections.