PDP crisis escalates as a faction has announced Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as the acting National Chairman on Friday. This announcement indicates a resolution remains elusive.
In the early hours of Friday, the National Working Committee (NWC), suspended National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade SAN and National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba. That faction was led by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum.
Shortly afterward, another faction of the NWC, suspended Damagum and National Secretary Sam Anyanwu for similar reasons.
These suspensions stem from allegations of anti-party activities, highlighting the deep rifts within the party. Medialord traces the root of the problem to the Rivers State crisis. Damagum was accused of sending a letter to the Appeal Court in the Rivers case, without NWC’s approval.
In a statement, Ologunagba, representing the integrity group, said Mohammed’s appointment takes immediate effect. He said it aligns with the PDP’s amended constitution from 2017.
The statement read in part, “Following the suspension of His Excellency, Ambassador Illiya Damagum as the Acting National Chairman of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the National Working Committee (NWC) has approved the appointment of Alhaji Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as the Acting National Chairman.”
Additionally, the statement noted, “The appointment, which takes immediate effect, is pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017). The NWC calls on all Organs, leaders, critical stakeholders, and members of our great Party to remain focused at this critical time, especially as the NWC commences arrangements towards the holding of the Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting already scheduled for Thursday, 24th October 2024.”
Court ruling and implications for the PDP crisis
Meanwhile, the legal landscape adds another layer to the ongoing PDP crisis. Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja confirmed that Umar Damagum remains the rightful National Chairman of the party. This ruling came during the delivery of judgment in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/579/2024. The suit was filed against the National Executive Committee and Board of Trustees of the party by Senator Umar Maina.
Maina is asserting his position as the chairman of the PDP in Yobe State. He alleged party stakeholders have held secret meetings aimed at forcefully removing Damagum from office. He argues that this situation constitutes a gross violation of the party’s Constitution. Maina also indicated that a former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Phillip Salawu, was being presented as Damagum’s replacement.
In his suit, Maina sought judicial intervention, asserting that the court should halt any moves to replace Damagum. His lawyer, Joshua Musa (SAN), argued that the national chairmanship of the PDP should rotate between the northern and southern regions, strictly adhering to the provisions outlined in the party’s Constitution.
Justice Lifu, after reviewing the PDP’s Constitution and relevant exhibits, agreed with Maina’s claims. The judgment stated that only the national convention of the PDP can sanction Damagum’s replacement. The court ruled that Damagum must continue as the PDP National Chairman until the scheduled national convention, set for December next year.
Legal and political challenges
The court further prohibited the PDP NEC and Board of Trustees from removing Damagum. It said only the National Convention can elect party officers. Justice Lifu reiterated the need for all party members to act in accordance with the PDP’s Constitution. He warned that any attempt to disrupt the northern region’s tenure would violate the party’s laws.
Despite attempts by some factions to assert control, the ruling underscores the legal constraints shaping the PDP crisis. Justice Lifu’s decision highlights the ongoing power struggle. But it also affirms the need for adherence to constitutional processes within the party. As tensions continue to rise, the future of the PDP remains uncertain. Factions are vying for influence amid both legal and political challenges, complicating the situation further.
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