By Babs Oyetoro
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), once Nigeria’s dominant political force, has formally split into two rival camps following a stormy legal and leadership crisis that climaxed this weekend in Abuja.
The party, already weakened by prolonged internal strife and power struggles, was thrown into disarray after a Federal High Court order halted its planned national convention, triggering a flurry of suspensions and counter-suspensions within its top hierarchy.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising any outcome from the PDP’s proposed national convention slated for November 15 and 16.
The judge ruled that the party breached several provisions of its own constitution and the Electoral Act by failing to issue proper notices to INEC and by conducting processes without the mandatory signatures of both the National Chairman and the National Secretary.
The court held that such procedural lapses rendered the entire process invalid and ordered INEC not to attend or monitor any convention not conducted in compliance with the law.
The ruling immediately deepened the tension within the National Working Committee (NWC), where two entrenched blocs—one loyal to the acting chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, and another aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have been locked in a power struggle for months.
Barely a day after the ruling, the faction led by National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, loyal to Wike, announced sweeping disciplinary actions against the Damagum-led leadership.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Anyanwu declared that Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, National Vice Chairman (North Central), would assume the position of Acting National Chairman.
He said Damagum and five other NWC members had been suspended for 30 days pending investigations into alleged financial impropriety, incompetence, and disobedience to court orders.
Those suspended include National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, National Financial Secretary Daniel Woyenguikoro, National Youth Leader Sulaiman Kadade, and Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo.
According to Anyanwu, “The PDP can no longer be held hostage by individuals who treat the party like a personal estate. The court ruling has vindicated our call for a new direction anchored on internal democracy and accountability.”
In a swift countermeasure, the Damagum-led NWC issued its own suspension orders against Anyanwu, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), and other loyalists of the Wike faction, accusing them of anti-party activities.
The group described the rival faction’s announcement as illegal and said the new appointments have no constitutional basis.
A member of the Damagum camp described the latest move as “a desperate attempt to hijack the party through backdoor illegality,” insisting that the chairman remains in charge and would challenge the development in court.
The faction also summoned an emergency NWC meeting to deliberate on legal options, including an appeal against Justice Omotosho’s ruling, which it considers politically motivated.
Party elders and founding members have expressed shock over the deepening crisis, with some warning that the latest division could mark the party’s most severe test since its formation in 1998.
According to insiders, attempts by the Board of Trustees (BoT) to mediate between both camps before the court ruling had collapsed after neither faction agreed to step down pending a comprehensive reconciliation process.
“The centre can no longer hold,” said a senior PDP leader. “The Damagum camp is relying on technical legitimacy, while the Wike faction is drawing political strength from key state structures and governors. Both sides are now fully entrenched.”
*New Ag chairman Abdulrahman consolidates
For his part, the newly appointed Acting Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, has begun reaching out to zonal leaders, governors, and former governors to consolidate his position.
He reportedly met with some National Assembly members and former state executives to assure them that his leadership will prioritise unity, internal reforms, and respect for court judgments.
“Our focus now is to restore sanity, rebuild confidence, and prepare the party for credible congresses and conventions,” Abdulrahman told reporters.
Damagum’s group shocked, plans next line of action
The Damagum camp, visibly rattled by the speed of events, has begun consultations with legal advisers and allies across the country. Sources said they are considering appealing the ruling and convening a parallel meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to reaffirm Damagum’s leadership.
A top member of the faction hinted that the group might also write to INEC to notify it of attempts to mislead the public about the authentic leadership of the PDP.
*Congratulatory messages pour in
Meanwhile, congratulatory messages have begun pouring in for Alhaji Abdulrahman from across the country.
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose described the development as “a new dawn” for the PDP and urged the acting chairman to unite the party and address injustices in some state chapters.
“I congratulate the new chairman of our great party, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman. He must now heal wounds, reconcile factions, and deliver a valid national convention that reflects the will of members,” Fayose said.
Similarly, the PDP South-South Zone, through its National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Osi Orbih, lauded Abdulrahman’s emergence as “a golden opportunity to end impunity and rebuild trust.”
Former Benue State Governor and PDP Board of Trustees member, Samuel Ortom, also congratulated the new leader, describing his appointment as “a chance to rebuild confidence, strengthen internal democracy, and reposition the PDP as a credible opposition.”
Political analysts believe the crisis could drag on for months unless urgent reconciliation efforts are initiated.
Some warn that prolonged litigation may result in parallel structures at the state level, potentially weakening the PDP’s presence ahead of the 2027 elections.
They note that with the court order freezing convention activities, only the faction that can demonstrate full legal compliance with the PDP constitution and electoral laws will ultimately win INEC’s recognition and control the party’s organs.
For now, the PDP’s umbrella stands torn, split between legality and loyalty, each camp claiming to be the authentic custodian of Nigeria’s once-dominant opposition party.
