Damagum Accuses Party Members Of Betrayal As PDP Crisis Deepens

National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has said some party members are being used by the devil to destabilise the party amid the worsening internal crisis.

Damagum made the remark in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting with PDP state chairmen led by their forum chairman, Tony Aziegbemi of Edo State, and secretary, Edward Masha of Kaduna. He urged those fueling division to retrace their steps, warning that their actions would have consequences.

The meeting came on the same day some PDP members staged a peaceful protest at the United States Embassy in Abuja, calling for international intervention to protect Nigeria’s democracy. The protesters carried placards with messages such as “Fix PDP, fix Nigeria, save our democracy” and “Stop party opposition intimidation.” They accused the ruling party of using state institutions to weaken political opposition.

The protest followed a fresh wave of internal conflict that has split the PDP’s National Working Committee. The crisis began when a faction loyal to Damagum announced the suspension of National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and several others over alleged misconduct. In response, Anyanwu’s camp—reportedly backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike—retaliated by suspending Damagum and some other party leaders.

As tensions rise, the Anyanwu group has taken control of the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, while court injunctions from both factions have thrown uncertainty over the planned national convention scheduled for November 15 in Ibadan.

Addressing the chairmen, Damagum said the party’s upcoming convention would produce a stronger leadership committed to restoring unity and credibility. He also warned against betrayal, saying loyalty to the party should not be traded for personal gain.

He urged aggrieved members to embrace peace and reflect on their actions, reminding them that the PDP had been the platform through which many of them rose to prominence. He said divine justice would eventually catch up with those who attempt to destroy the party from within.

The PDP, which once governed Nigeria for 16 years, continues to grapple with factional divisions, defections, and leadership disputes that have hindered its efforts to rebuild as a strong opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.