Muhammed Assumes Acting PDP Chairmanship Amidst Tense Power Struggle at National Secretariat

By Angel Ike

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat at Wadata Plaza, Abuja was engulfed in tension on Monday when Muhammed Abdulraham, appointed acting National Chairman by a faction of the National Working Committee (NWC), took over the national chairman’s office.

Abdulraham arrived with party supporters and security personnel, boldly declaring his formal assumption of office as the opposition party’s acting National Chairman.

The crisis within the opposition party intensified last weekend when the National Working Committee (NWC), presiding over a meeting led by Damagum, suspended National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and National Organizing Secretary Umar Bature for one month over alleged anti-party activities. Also suspended were National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade and Deputy National Legal Adviser Okechukwu Osuoha. The NWC referred the affected officials to the National Disciplinary Committee.

In a swift response, Anyanwu, after a separate meeting with another faction of NWC members, announced Damagum’s suspension as party chairman for one month. Muhammed, the PDP National Vice Chairman for the North Central, was named acting chairman.

Anyanwu also stated that Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja; National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba; Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshedo; National Youth Leader Sulaiman Kadade; and National Financial Secretary Daniel Woyenguikoro were suspended for alleged anti-party activities.

The crisis centers on whether a North Central figure should replace former National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu and on who should hold the rightful position of National Secretary.

This has pitted opposition governors and loyalists of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against one another, escalating tensions.

The dispute intensified after the 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting fixed the National Convention for November 15–16 in Ibadan, with factions led by Wike and allied governors vying for influence.

In the lead-up to the convention, contention has focused on micro-zoning NWC seats among South states and the conduct of Congresses in several states.

Anyanwu had petitioned security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) alleging that his signature on correspondence regarding the National Convention was forged.On October 31, a Federal High Court in Abuja ruled in a suit filed by three PDP members, Austin Nwachukwu, Nnanna Amah, and George Turnah that the party breached its rules and applicable laws in preparation for the Ibadan convention.

Prior to Mohammed’s arrival at Wadata Plaza, a scuffle broke out at the National Secretariat as some staff confronted Anyanwu’s supporters, attempting to eject him from the office on grounds of suspension.

A staff member notified journalists that workers were mobilising to confront Anyanwu, who had arrived earlier. Anyanwu’s supporters and security personnel resisted. Moments later, Muhammed, who had addressed his supporters at the FCT PDP secretariat in Wuse, arrived at Wadata Plaza.

The factional Acting National Chairman addressed reporters from the National Chairman’s office, with Anyanwu and Osuoha present, emphasising a commitment to party unity.

He asserted: “Today I formally assume office as the Acting National Chairman of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). I want to assure all Nigerians, especially our members, that we are entering a new phase of unity and progress. We must all come together to restore our party to its rightful place. The slogan of our party is Power to the People, and indeed power belongs to the people. Under my leadership, I will do everything possible to ensure that all members work together in understanding and unity for the progress of our great party and Nigeria at large.

”The electorate is looking up to the PDP because it remains the only party that truly gives them hope. Insha’Allah, under my leadership, we will return the party to the people. We are all aware of the challenges facing our party in recent years. However, we must be guided by the constitution of our party. Whenever we act contrary to it, problems arise. From the ward to the national level, we must operate in line with the constitution and ensure that every member is carried along.

“I call on leaders across the federation: this is not the time to trade blame. It is time for all of us to unite for the progress of the PDP. We do not have any other political party greater than the PDP.”