By Chika Eze, Abuja
The North Central Zonal Working and Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed deep concern over the recent crisis rocking the party following the judgment delivered by Justice Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, on Friday, October 31.
Briefing journalists after its emergency meeting, the Committee, represented by Francis Orogu, Secretary, PDP North Central, said it convened to review the situation and monitor unfolding developments within the PDP, noting that the current crisis was avoidable and could have been handled with more internal consultation and restraint.
According to the Secretary of PDP North Central, while disciplinary measures such as suspensions may have been considered necessary to uphold party standards and decorum, broader consultations with stakeholders, including party elders, former leaders, and state chapters, are needed before taking any final decisions, especially concerning allegations of disloyalty or sabotage.
The Committee emphasized that the National Working Committee (NWC) should focus on rebuilding public confidence, conducting a credible and transparent congress, and ensuring an inclusive national convention before the expiration of its current tenure.
“It is no longer news that some individuals within the party are working desperately to undermine the forthcoming national convention. We are also concerned that the North Central Zone has been shortchanged in the micro-zoning arrangement,” Francis Orogu stated.
Rejecting the purported removal of the National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, and his alleged replacement by Abdulrahman Mohammed, the zonal leadership described the move as illegal, divisive, and capable of plunging the party into deeper crisis.
“We, the members of the PDP North Central Zone, hereby distance and dissociate ourselves from the purported impeachment or removal of the National Chairman by only four members of the NWC. This negative act, if left unchecked, could embolden judicial and political mischief similar to what we witnessed during the 2023 general elections,” Orogu warned.
The group also criticized attempts to drag the North Central Zone into what it called “selfish and destructive schemes,” describing the alleged appointment of Abdulrahman Mohammed as Acting National Chairman as both “laughable and insulting.”
Furthermore, the Committee called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that security agencies do not become tools for political manipulation or support any form of “criminal coup,” whether military or political.
“Your Excellency, we urge you not to allow anyone to mislead you. Not everyone who praises a leader in power means well. Let destiny guide your decisions, as always,” Orogu added.
Finally, the PDP North Central leaders appealed to all members of the party across the country to remain calm, disciplined, and focused.
“We have faced challenges like this before and emerged stronger. This too shall pass, because whatever has a beginning will surely have an end,” the Secretary concluded.