PDP crisis: BoT backs Damagum, raises reconciliation panel; Anyanwu kicks

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has set up a six-member committee to reconcile the warring factions within the party amid growing tension over its national leadership. The BoT, led by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, also reaffirmed the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, as the authentic head […]

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has set up a six-member committee to reconcile the warring factions within the party amid growing tension over its national leadership.

The BoT, led by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, also reaffirmed the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, as the authentic head of the National Working Committee (NWC).

The move came two days after a faction of the NWC, loyal to Alhaji Abdulrahman Muhammed and backed by National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, briefly took control of the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

In a communiqué issued after its meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the BoT described itself as “the conscience of the party,” saying it would not take sides but remain focused on safeguarding the PDP’s integrity and fostering dialogue.

“The decision for reconciliation is not a sign of weakness, but a demonstration of maturity and responsibility,” the communiqué stated.

The BoT said it had constituted a high-powered reconciliation committee to restore unity as the party prepares for its elective national convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The committee, tagged the BoT Reconciliation Committee, comprises Ambassador Hassan Adamu (North East) as chairman; Chief Mike Oghiadomhe (South South), secretary; Chief Ugochukwu Okeke (South East); Senator Zaynab Kure (North Central); Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola (South West); and Dr Lubna Mohammed Gusau (North West).

Wabara said the committee was mandated to report back to the BoT on Tuesday, November 11, for further action.

The communiqué reaffirmed that the PDP “remains a united, formidable and focused political party” under Damagum’s leadership and commended the NWC, the PDP Governors’ Forum, and the National Convention Organising Committee for their “collective roles in stabilising the party.”

It also welcomed the recent ruling of the Oyo State High Court, presided over by Justice A. L. Akintola, which affirmed the PDP’s constitutional right to manage its internal affairs and hold its convention as planned.

“This landmark ruling is a victory for democracy, rule of law and political development in our country,” the BoT said, while expressing concern that “the invasion of our national secretariat and other regrettable incidents are not reflective of the ideals and character of the PDP.”

Anyanwu rejects BoT reconciliation move

However, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu dismissed the BoT’s reconciliation initiative, describing the Abuja meeting as “a gathering of friends.”

Anyanwu argued that no valid BoT meeting could be held without his participation as the party’s National Secretary.

“Any BoT meeting that I did not attend is not legally convened,” he said.

Addressing journalists after the factional Chairman, Abdulrahman Muhammed, held a separate press conference, Anyanwu accused Damagum of deploying thugs to attack him at the PDP secretariat.

He alleged that the national secretariat was locked due to the crisis and claimed the Federal High Court in Abuja, not the Oyo State High Court, had jurisdiction over the matter.

“The Federal High Court has superior authority over all federal institutions. The Oyo State order is an ex parte order that lasts only seven days,” he said. “Before that, we had already filed an appeal. Once that happens, all proceedings should remain pending until the appeal is determined.”

Anyanwu said the secretariat was shut for security reasons after intelligence reports indicated plans by Damagum’s loyalists to attack the premises.

“On November 1, I wrote to the IGP, the Nigerian Police, and the DSS, informing them that some people planned to attack the secretariat. Based on that, security was deployed,” he said.

He alleged that he narrowly escaped being assaulted when he resumed at the office.

“I was almost attacked by hoodlums acting on the directives of Damagum. If not for police intervention, most of the staff could have been harmed,” he claimed.

Reacting to the BoT reconciliation committee, Anyanwu insisted no such meeting was held.

“I don’t know which BoT you are talking about. I was supposed to be there, but since I was not invited, I can only describe it as a meeting of associates and friends, not a BoT meeting,” he said.

 

PDP has 9 lives — Wabara

Speaking earlier, BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara likened the PDP to a cat with nine lives, insisting that the party would overcome its current crisis.

“Our party has withstood trials, transitions and temptations because it is founded on the enduring principles of justice, fairness, equity and national inclusion,” he said.

“Some may think the PDP is declining, but I remind you that the cat has nine lives and so does the PDP. We are not declining anywhere; we are rising, and we will overcome.”

Wabara added that the BoT would work with all organs of the party, including the NWC and the National Assembly caucus, to ensure a successful convention in Ibadan.

 

Damagum: It’s not easy being in opposition

In his remarks, acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum said it was not easy being an opposition politician in Nigeria, particularly at a time when “those who once held the highest offices abandon their convictions to seek favour with the centre.”

He commended Justice Akintola of the Oyo State High Court for affirming the PDP’s right to conduct its convention, describing the ruling as an “act of courage in an era of judicial intimidation and moral compromise.”

“In times when some seek to manipulate our courts and intimidate our judges, it takes bravery to stand for truth and defend the law. This judgment is not just a victory for our party but for democracy itself,” he said.

Damagum said that when he assumed office after the 2023 elections, he met a deeply divided party.

“I realised that what our party needed most was reconciliation, not vengeance, not blame. Some felt I was taking sides because I refused to indulge in vindictiveness. They left when they couldn’t understand the wisdom of peace,” he said.

He maintained that his decisions had always been guided by loyalty to the party rather than individuals or factions.

“Every compromise I made was for the sake of the PDP, the enduring institution that shall outlive us all,” he added.

As the party prepares for its convention, Damagum urged members to elect a leadership capable of restoring public confidence in the PDP.

“Our democracy is being dragged through the mud. What Nigeria needs now is bold, visionary leadership, and it must begin with us, even in opposition. Our incoming NWC must comprise men and women of integrity capable of reviving our base and inspiring new members across the federation,” he said.

He praised party members who have remained loyal despite challenges, saying:

“It is not easy to be in opposition. When those who once attained the highest offices abandon their beliefs, those who stay must be honoured.”

 

Adeleke urges calm, says crisis is ‘family affair’

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke also waded into the party’s crisis, urging members to remain calm and describing the dispute as “a family affair.”

In a statement by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor said the party’s leaders were committed to resolving the crisis and repositioning the PDP ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Osun.

“I urge all members of our party to remain calm and steadfast. We are cruising to victory next year, and we must remain committed to rebuilding our party for renewed success,” Adeleke said.

He expressed optimism that the disagreement at the national level would soon be resolved, noting that all stakeholders “have the party’s progress and success at heart.”

Adeleke also directed PDP leaders at the local government and ward levels in Osun to intensify mobilisation ahead of the next governorship poll.

“I hereby direct all party leaders across wards and local governments to begin massive mobilisation for our party ahead of the 2026 governorship election. We are the party to beat, and we will come out stronger and better,” he said.