By Chika Eze, Abuja
Fresh tension erupted at the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Monday as a faction attempted to unseat the National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, and install Abdulrahman Mohammed in his place.
The dramatic takeover attempt unfolded amid the party’s lingering leadership crisis, with rival camps battling for control of Nigeria’s main opposition party.
The move followed a press briefing earlier in the day where Mohammed declared himself Acting National Chairman, claiming he was mandated by key stakeholders to step in and rescue the PDP from what he called “a troubled period.”
“I have accepted to become Acting National Chairman at this difficult time through the mercy of God and the instrumentality of very critical stakeholders of this party,” he announced.
Mohammed lamented the party’s dwindling strength and blamed internal wrangling and poor leadership for its decline.
“We are all aware of the pitiable state of our glorious party because of the actions and inactions of our leaders. From being the ruling party for 16 uninterrupted years, we have become a humbled opposition due to unexplainable defections of governors, legislators, and council chairmen,” he said.
He unveiled a three-point agenda centered on party unity, restoration of order, and the organisation of an all-inclusive national convention to elect a substantive National Working Committee (NWC) after pending congresses at all levels.
“My job as Acting National Chairman is simple: heal the party’s wounds, end factionalisation, reposition the PDP, and plan an all-inclusive National Convention. The party must be handed back to its true owners — the Nigerian people,” he stated.
Mohammed appealed for unity and support, assuring that consultations were ongoing and that a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting would soon be convened.
Teargas, Tension at Secretariat
Earlier, confusion erupted at the PDP Secretariat when staff members tried to prevent National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, recently suspended by the Damagum-led NWC, from entering his office.
The confrontation escalated until police were called in to disperse protesting staff with teargas.
Damagum was absent during the incident.
Faction Occupies Chairman’s Office
Shortly after order was restored, another group arrived at the headquarters, accompanying Mohammed, who proceeded to the chairman’s office and sat on the official seat, a symbolic move that further heightened the crisis.
Security operatives from the FCT Police Command were later deployed to maintain peace and secure the premises as the power struggle deepened.