The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened on Monday as the faction loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, wrote to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), notifying it of the suspension of the party’s National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Illya Damagum.
In a letter dated November 3, 2025, and titled “Resolutions of the PDP NWC Meeting,” the group, led by the embattled National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, informed the electoral commission of the appointment of Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman.
The letter, addressed to INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, requested formal recognition of Abdulrahman’s new position in line with the party’s constitution.
It partly read:
“After a meeting of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) held on November 1, 2025, it was resolved, among other matters, that Hon. Mohammed Abdulrahman, Vice Chairman (North Central), is hereby appointed as Acting National Chairman to replace the suspended National Chairman, Amb. Umar Illya Damagum.
This appointment is in accordance with the party’s constitution, and we kindly request that all necessary steps be taken to recognise him in his new capacity. We would appreciate your prompt attention and response to this decision.”
The move follows a factional NWC meeting which also suspended Anyanwu himself over alleged anti-party activities.
The leadership tussle, which has split the opposition party into rival camps, continues to threaten its stability ahead of key political engagements.
Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, recently blamed the PDP’s internal crisis on poor leadership and a lack of unity, urging the party to embrace inclusiveness and dialogue to restore confidence among its members.
Observers say the lingering divisions have further weakened the PDP’s standing as Nigeria’s main opposition party, raising doubts about its readiness to play a cohesive role in national politics.
