Crisis Deepens In PDP As Internal Battle Spreads Across Different States

Tension is rising within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as leadership struggles spill across four states — Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Cross River, and Kebbi — exposing deep cracks in the opposition’s national structure.

Once seen as stable, the party’s command chain now appears divided, with key national officers pulling in different directions over control and legitimacy.

The trouble began when the National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and the National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, issued conflicting directives on state congresses and leadership changes. Both men claim to represent the constitutional authority of the National Working Committee (NWC), but their opposing actions have created confusion among state chapters and electoral officials.

In Akwa Ibom, the crisis erupted when a statement from Damagum’s camp announced the dissolution of the state working committee and the appointment of a caretaker committee led by Igwat Umoren. Hours later, Anyanwu countered the move, insisting no formal NWC meeting had approved such action. He declared the dissolution illegal and directed the existing leadership to continue in office.

Similar confusion spread to Plateau, Kebbi, and Cross River states. Damagum reportedly wrote to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone congresses due to logistical issues, but Anyanwu issued a separate letter insisting the congresses must proceed. The contradictory messages left state officials and delegates uncertain over which directive to follow.

In Cross River, the disagreement turned public. The state chapter went ahead with its congress in Calabar, declaring the exercise valid. But the national publicity secretary, Debo Ologunagba, dismissed it as a “carnival,” insisting the NWC had earlier postponed the event. The state’s publicity secretary, Mike Ojisi, fired back, saying a few individuals could not claim to represent the full NWC, describing the alleged postponement as baseless.

The internal friction has now evolved into a power test between two camps claiming constitutional backing. Damagum’s allies argue that Section 35 of the PDP Constitution gives the NWC authority to organize party activities and enforce NEC decisions. Anyanwu’s supporters counter that no such decision can stand without his authentication as National Secretary or a properly convened meeting.

This constitutional tug-of-war has thrown the party’s internal system into disarray. State executives are unsure whose orders to obey, while grassroots members fear that factional interests are replacing collective leadership. Every new letter, congress notice, or caretaker appointment is now contested, and even procedural steps like quorum counts and co-signatures are under scrutiny.

Observers say the problem extends beyond technical disputes. The crisis has begun to weaken morale among local organizers and supporters. With 2027 approaching, the PDP’s inability to speak with one voice threatens its preparations for upcoming elections. The confusion also risks driving members toward rival parties or independent platforms.

Some elders within the PDP have started private interventions, urging both factions to step back from confrontation and find common ground. There are suggestions for joint committees and revalidation of congress schedules through proper channels. However, neither side has yet signaled readiness for compromise.

Analysts warn that if the rift continues, the PDP could effectively operate as two separate factions under one name. Parallel congresses, legal battles, and contested appointments could damage its credibility as a national opposition party. On the other hand, a negotiated truce could restore internal order and project the party as a viable contender ahead of 2027.

For now, the situation at Wadata Plaza, the party’s national headquarters, remains tense. Legal advisers, emissaries, and party elders are scrambling to prevent a full breakdown. The PDP still stands as an institution, but its unity and authority are under serious test. The choices its leaders make in the coming weeks will determine whether the party rebuilds its strength or unravels under its own contradictions.