Governors elected under the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have reversed the suspension of the party’s acting National Chairman, Illiya Damagum.
The governors also overturned the suspension of the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN.
This decision was announced on Tuesday morning by Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed. Speaking to journalists before departing for a “crucial assignment” in Ondo State, Mohammed emphasized that the status quo would remain for now. He was accompanied by Damagum and other key PDP stakeholders.
The PDP has recently faced internal upheaval, with a faction of the National Working Committee (NWC) naming Yayari Mohammed as Damagum’s replacement amid the crisis. Both factions suspended members from their opposing sides, deepening the leadership rift.
In a statement issued earlier, Yayari Mohammed explained that his appointment as acting chairman was intended to “revive the hope and aspirations” of party members. He criticized the current state of the PDP, attributing its struggles to personal and political interests among some NWC leaders.
“Personal interests have been prioritized over the party’s agenda, undermining our effectiveness as a credible opposition,” he said.
He lamented that these internal conflicts have hampered the party’s ability to perform effectively at the national level.
Mohammed called for a return to the principles that once defined the PDP’s success. “The PDP’s 16 years in government are fondly remembered as the golden era of governance in Nigeria. However, our current challenges have weakened the party’s capacity to play the vital role expected of us.”
He emphasized that the NWC’s goal is to reposition the PDP in line with the vision of its founding members. “On October 10, 2024, the NWC appointed me to lead efforts to rekindle the hopes of our members, especially the youth and other key stakeholders, as we work to restore the party’s influence.”
Mohammed also stressed the importance of loyalty and unity within the party, adding, “Only by rebuilding trust can we strengthen the PDP’s ability to act as an effective opposition, ensuring democracy thrives and holding the governmen
t accountable.”
