Cracks In PDP’s Unity Efforts As Ondo Election Approaches

Cracks In PDP’s Unity Efforts As Ondo Election ApproachesIn this analysis, Muhammed Lawal explores the fragile reconciliation efforts within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and their potential impact on the upcoming Ondo State governorship election, particularly as the party’s unity is at stake.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Abraham Lincoln once said, “A house divided against itself is destined to crumble,” a sentiment that resonates with the current turmoil in the PDP. The ongoing strife, particularly aimed at acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, mirrors the challenges faced by All Progressives Congress Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.

Damagum, who was appointed acting National Chairman after the court-ordered suspension of former Chairman Iyorchia Ayu in March 2023, has withstood multiple attempts to oust him. As the April 18, 2024 National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting approached, debates intensified over whether he should be replaced.

The dissent grew as some party members criticized Damagum for failing to implement necessary reforms, culminating in a call for his resignation from 60 House of Representatives members who demanded a new chairman from the North Central region. This division became apparent during a recent PDP caucus meeting, where lawmakers were split between supporters and opponents of Damagum.

Consequently, the pre-NEC meeting’s main goal—a vote of confidence for Damagum—encountered significant hurdles. The PDP National Working Committee, through its spokesperson Debo Ologunagba, acknowledged Damagum’s efforts in stabilizing the party.

Tensions escalated in June when the PDP filed a counter-motion against a Federal High Court injunction that had temporarily prevented his removal. The party’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), explained that they sought to dismiss the case, emphasizing it was an internal party matter.

As the October 24 NEC meeting approaches, calls for Damagum’s replacement continue, particularly from North Central members who cite PDP’s constitution, which mandates that a successor must come from the same region if a vacancy arises.

Disagreements have emerged over which zone should produce Damagum’s replacement, with Segun Showunmi, a governorship aspirant, clashing with former National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan on this issue. While Ologbondiyan advocates for a North Central replacement, Showunmi argues for a broader selection.

Meanwhile, North-East governors within the PDP have expressed support for Damagum to remain in office until the end of Iyorchia Ayu’s term, but North Central leaders are actively seeking a successor ahead of the NEC meeting.

Adding to the internal strife, PDP figure Dino Melaye has publicly criticized Damagum and other party leaders, declaring that their actions have led to the party’s decline. In a sharp statement, Melaye lamented the state of the PDP, suggesting it has been irreparably damaged by current leadership.

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