Abuja, Oct. 14, 2024 (TheGavel) – The Coalition of Opposition Lawmakers in the House of Representatives has declared its full support for the factional acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Mohamed Yayari, amid the ongoing leadership tussle within the party.
In a statement released on Monday by the coalition’s spokesperson, Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP-Imo), the lawmakers expressed confidence in Yayari’s ability to lead the party through a critical reform process. Ugochinyere noted that the coalition recognizes Yayari’s “understanding of the urgency to reposition the party for greater electoral fortunes” ahead of the 2027 elections.
This endorsement follows a significant division within the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC). A faction of the NWC, led by the acting National Chairman, Mr. Umar Damagum, had recently suspended the National Legal Adviser, Mr. Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), and the National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, over alleged anti-party activities.
In response, a rival faction within the NWC, known as the “Integrity Group,” announced the suspension of Damagum and swiftly appointed Mohamed Yayari as his replacement. The emergence of Yayari as the factional chairman has fueled internal tensions, prompting lawmakers aligned with the opposition to step in with their backing.
Ugochinyere, who represents the Ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo State, praised Yayari’s efforts, stating that his leadership has rekindled hope within the PDP. “This coalition of lawmakers in the House will support the new acting leadership and its resolve to ensure a rapid reform of our party,” Ugochinyere affirmed, signaling the coalition’s commitment to the party’s transformation.
The PDP, once Africa’s largest political party, has been grappling with internal divisions and leadership crises following its recent electoral setbacks. Ugochinyere emphasized the need for urgent action to “sanitize the system, restore internal democracy, and bring peace and cohesion back to the party.”
The ongoing battle for the party’s leadership has also spilled into the courts. On Friday, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a restraining order, barring the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) from removing Damagum as the party’s acting National Chairman.
The court ruling, in response to a suit filed by Senator Umar El-Gash Maina, maintained that no other individual should be recognized as the PDP’s national chairman except Damagum until the party’s national convention, scheduled for December 2025. Justice Lifu ruled that, according to Articles 42, 47, and 67 of the PDP’s constitution, national officers can only be elected at the National Convention, reinforcing Damagum’s position pending the convention.
The PDP’s internal power struggle continues to attract attention, with the party’s next steps likely to shape its future in Nigeria’s political landscape. With the 2027 elections approaching, the factions within the party are expected to push forward their respective agendas in the coming months.(NAN)
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