PDP Faction Appoints Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as Acting National Chairman Amid Internal Crisis
The ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened on Friday as the party’s integrity faction announced the appointment of Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as the new acting National Chairman. This comes amidst a wave of suspensions and internal conflicts within the party’s leadership.
Earlier on Friday, the National Working Committee (NWC), led by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, suspended National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) and National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba over allegations of anti-party activities. In a swift response, another faction of the NWC, led by Ologunagba and representing the integrity group, countered by suspending Damagum and National Secretary Sam Anyanwu, citing similar allegations.
In a statement issued shortly after, Ologunagba, speaking on behalf of the integrity group, announced Mohammed’s appointment as acting National Chairman, effective immediately. The decision, according to the group, aligns with the provisions of the PDP’s amended constitution from 2017.
“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,” the statement read.
The NWC urged party members, stakeholders, and leaders to remain united during this critical time, as the party prepares for its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for October 24, 2024.
The deepening factional crisis within the PDP highlights growing divisions ahead of the NEC meeting, with the party facing challenges in maintaining cohesion and unity. Observers fear that the leadership tussle could impact the party’s ability to function effectively as it prepares for upcoming political engagements.
