Abuja, November 3, 2025
The internal turmoil rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified, with former governors Samuel Ortom of Benue State and Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State openly endorsing the faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in a move that further fractures the opposition party.
The endorsements come amid frantic regrouping by loyalists of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other governors determined to wrest control from the Wike camp ahead of the party’s national convention.
In separate statements issued on Sunday, Ortom and Fayose threw their support behind the PDP faction led by National Vice Chairman (North Central), Abdulrahman Mohammed, while sharply criticising acting National Chairman Umar Damagum for exacerbating the crisis through what they described as poor leadership and exclusionary tactics.
Despite scheduled National Elective Convention dates of November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, the PDP remains bogged down by disputes over party structures, zonal leadership, and convention modalities.
Supporters of Wike have levelled accusations of bias and incompetence against the Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC), pointing to unresolved conflicts in the South-South zone and alleged flouting of micro-zoning principles.
The crisis escalated dramatically on Friday when the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an interim injunction restraining the party from proceeding with the convention until it complies fully with its constitution and the Electoral Act.
Justice James Omotosho directed the PDP to halt all preparatory activities pending further court orders, a decision that has plunged the party into deeper disarray.
In a retaliatory move on Saturday, the Damagum-led NWC announced the suspension of National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Deputy Legal Adviser Okechukwu Osuoha, and National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, citing alleged anti-party activities.
The rival faction, spearheaded by Anyanwu, responded swiftly by counter-suspending Damagum, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, and others over claims of financial misconduct and incompetence.
Ortom, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, attributed the party’s woes to leadership failures and a disregard for inclusivity. “Democracy thrives when people of diverse views come together for the common good,” he stated. “Unfortunately, a few individuals have attempted to run the party without recourse to collective consultation.” He lamented that his earlier calls for reconciliation were ignored.
Fayose, addressing journalists in Ado Ekiti on Sunday, hailed the suspension of Damagum by the Mohammed faction as “a necessary step to rescue the party from total collapse.” Describing the Damagum NWC as “undertakers” intent on burying the PDP, Fayose positioned Mohammed as a potential saviour. “Damagum will go the way of Ayu,” he predicted, referencing former National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu. “He manipulated the process to remain in office and caused widespread confusion. We will support Abdulrahman to reposition the PDP, correct the state chapters, and prepare for the convention.”
Sources close to Governor Makinde disclosed to Guardian Nigeria that the Oyo bloc and allied governors are holding strategic meetings to challenge the court injunction and reclaim dominance. “We are not folding our hands. We have the majority, and discussions are ongoing on how to appeal the judgment and keep preparations for the convention alive,” a source revealed.
Former presidential aspirant Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim condemned the court ruling as “a calculated move to weaken the opposition and weaponise the judiciary.” He alleged a conspiracy involving “external pressures and internal sabotage” aimed at stifling the PDP and fostering a one-party state, vowing that “true democrats will resist attempts to destroy multiparty democracy in Nigeria.”
In Osun State, Senator Adenigba Fadahunsi, who recently defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declared the opposition party “as good as dead.” Speaking at his Ilase-Ijesa residence, Fadahunsi said, “We didn’t abandon the PDP; the PDP abandoned itself. The party is dead, and those still there should not sink with the ship.” He, however, praised President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, expressing confidence in their long-term benefits.
As the PDP grapples with suspensions, court battles, and factional realignments, observers warn that the prolonged crisis risks further eroding the party’s credibility as Nigeria’s main opposition ahead of future electoral contests.
