By CHUKWUMA OFILI
Suspension Disputes Nullified as Party Leaders Call for Unity and Status Quo
Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have taken decisive action to address the ongoing leadership crisis within the party. In a significant move, they have nullified the recent suspensions and counter-suspensions issued by conflicting factions of the National Working Committee (NWC) and instructed the acting chairmen to revert to the status quo until a permanent resolution is achieved.
Meeting Highlights and Decisions
The announcement was made by Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, at the conclusion of a two-day meeting. The meeting aimed to broker peace among the feuding factions and ensure the party’s unity.
The turmoil began when the Umar Damagum-led NWC suspended National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, citing allegations of abuse of office and insubordination. In retaliation, Ologunagba and Ajibade announced the suspension of Damagum and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu for alleged anti-party activities linked to the political crisis in Rivers State involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Restoration of Status Quo
Governor Bala Mohammed emphasized that the decision to restore order was reached after consultations with representatives from the NWC, the party’s National Assembly Caucus, and the Board of Trustees (BoT). He stated, “I want to inform you on behalf of the PDP Governors Forum, the Chairman of the Senate Caucus, and the representative of the BoT. We had a family meeting, and we wish to reaffirm that there is no faction in the PDP.”
He further clarified, “All the suspensions you heard about have been resolved by the Governors, the NWC, the Caucus of the National Assembly, and the BoT. There is no faction; everything has reverted to the status quo under acting Chairman Damagum, pending further discussions among party leaders.”
Future Meetings and Legal Considerations
Regarding the upcoming National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for October 24, Governor Mohammed indicated that the governors, BoT, and NWC would discuss its significance. He acknowledged that while internal challenges are common in political parties, it is essential not to preempt the outcomes of ongoing legal proceedings.
Response from Party Leaders
In a statement to reporters at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport following the meeting, acting Chairman Damagum welcomed the resolution, asserting, “There is no crisis in the party as far as I am concerned, but some people want to take advantage of the situation. I urge the press not to escalate things even where there is no crisis.”
He reaffirmed the importance of the governors’ role in the party, stating, “The governors are our leaders and critical organs of this party, and when they speak, we must look at it holistically and abide by it.”
When asked about the status of suspended officials Ologunagba and Ajibade, Damagum confirmed, “Have they left? They are still in the party.”
Conclusion
The intervention by the PDP governors marks a crucial step toward restoring unity within the party amidst its leadership turmoil. By nullifying the recent suspensions and reinforcing the status quo, party leaders are working to ensure stability and collective progress as they prepare for future meetings and negotiations. Efforts to reach Yayari Mohammed and Ologunagba for further comments on the situation remain ongoing.
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