The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing escalating internal strife, highlighted by a tumultuous Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting held today at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. The session, presided over by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, was marred by a physical altercation between supporters of Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye, both claiming the position of National Secretary.
Tensions escalated when Udeh-Okoye arrived at the meeting, only to find Anyanwu already seated. A confrontation ensued, leading to Udeh-Okoye being forcibly removed by individuals believed to be loyal to Anyanwu. This incident underscores the deepening divisions within the party’s leadership.
The BoT had convened this emergency meeting to address the ongoing leadership crisis, which has been a source of contention since the removal of former National Chairman Senator Iyorchia Ayu. Despite Damagum stepping in as Acting National Chairman, factions within the party have intensified their disputes, particularly over the National Secretary position.
The discord has also cast doubt on the feasibility of the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, initially scheduled for August 15, 2024, but postponed multiple times due to internal disagreements. The persistent infighting threatens the party’s cohesion and its ability to present a united front ahead of future elections.
As the PDP grapples with these internal challenges, stakeholders and political observers are expressing concern over the party’s future and its role in Nigeria’s political landscape.
