Party Divisions Grow As Wike, Bauchi Governor Disagreement Escalates In PDP

Party Divisions Grow As Wike, Bauchi Governor Disagreement Escalates In PDPThe ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened, particularly due to tensions between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, which have divided the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), Saturday PUNCH reports.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Since taking over as acting National Chairman following Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s removal, Umar Damagum has faced growing internal criticism, leading to calls for his resignation. The situation worsened when Damagum and several NWC members, backing Wike, approved controversial PDP congresses in Rivers State and delayed the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting from September 26 to October 24.

The rift between Wike and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, escalated on August 24, with PDP governors publicly siding with Fubara and urging a review of the state congresses. In response, Wike threatened to interfere in their states if they continued meddling in Rivers State affairs, a move the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bala Mohammed, condemned as irresponsible.

Further complicating matters, Fubara conducted local government elections on October 5, dealing a blow to Wike’s camp as 22 of the 23 newly elected chairmen were from the Action Peoples Party (APP).

In a surprising move, the NWC, via a statement from National Director of Publicity Chinwe Nnorom on Friday, announced the suspension of National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN). Both had been leading opposition against Damagum’s efforts to align the PDP with Wike, particularly on Rivers State issues.

The statement partly read, “The National Working Committee of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, arising from its 593rd meeting today, Thursday, October 10, 2024, has directed the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN, to step aside, respectively.” The NWC also formed a committee to investigate allegations against them, with their deputies assuming acting roles.

Later, Ologunagba’s faction revealed that they had suspended Damagum and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, citing disloyalty to the PDP. National Treasurer Yayari Ahmed Mohammed was appointed acting National Chairman by this group.

This factional dispute was further fueled by claims that Wike directed his supporters in the NWC to suspend Ologunagba and Ajibade for resisting his influence in Rivers State. A senior member of Mohammed’s faction indicated the suspensions also stemmed from their criticism of Damagum’s management of party funds.

In response, the PDP Board of Trustees, led by Chairman Sen. Adolphus Wabara, called for a restoration of peace, urging all parties to de-escalate tensions and prioritize the unity and progress of the party.

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