PDP Board of Trustees calls for reconciliation as Damagum and Anyanwu factions clash over leadership ahead of national convention.
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT), Adolphus Wabara, has appealed to aggrieved members of the party to sheathe their swords and prioritize peace in the interest of unity.
Wabara made the appeal while presiding over a BoT meeting held at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, on Wednesday. He emphasized that the board would remain neutral and focus on mediating between factions to restore internal harmony.
The meeting was attended by BoT Secretary Ahmed Makarafi, Jerry Gana, Senator Ben Obi, Josephine Anenih, Zainab Maina, and members of the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC). It also marked the first public appearance of Damagum since the suspension of the Senator Samuel Anyanwu-led NWC last week.
In his remarks, Damagum commended the recent Oyo State High Court judgment that cleared the PDP to hold its National Elective Convention in Ibadan. He insisted that the convention must go ahead as planned, stressing the party’s commitment to due process and internal democracy.
The BoT announced the formation of a reconciliation committee tasked with addressing internal disputes and uniting all factions. Members present also reaffirmed their confidence in the Damagum-led NWC and endorsed plans for the upcoming national convention.
However, tensions within the opposition party remain high. The crisis worsened last weekend after the Damagum-led NWC suspended National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, and other key officials.
In response, Anyanwu’s faction announced the suspension of Damagum, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, and four other officers, further deepening the leadership tussle.
On Monday, acting national chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, backed by Anyanwu’s faction, resumed at the PDP national secretariat, while Damagum and his allies were noticeably absent.
About the Author
