Internal Cracks Threaten PDP’s Unity, Ondo State Governorship Election at Risk

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is grappling with fragile reconciliation efforts that could have a significant impact on the upcoming Ondo State governorship election. As the party struggles to maintain unity, internal dynamics are likely to play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the election.

In recent months, the PDP has been embroiled in a leadership crisis, with several attempts to unseat its acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum. Damagum, who assumed the role after the court-ordered suspension of former National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu in March 2023, has faced criticism from party members for failing to implement necessary reforms.

The rift within the party deepened when 60 members of the House of Representatives called for Damagum’s resignation, demanding a new chairman from the North Central region. The division was evident during a recent gathering of the PDP caucus, where lawmakers were sharply divided between those supporting Damagum and those opposing his continued tenure.

The primary objective of the pre-NEC meeting, which was to endorse Damagum with a vote of confidence, encountered obstacles and did not proceed as planned. In response, the PDP National Working Committee praised Damagum’s efforts in stabilizing and revitalizing the party.

However, tension heightened in June when the PDP filed a counter-motion to the Federal High Court’s order, which had prevented the party from removing Damagum. The party’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, revealed that the PDP had filed a counter-motion, stating that the case would be heard on its merits on July 1st.

As the NEC meeting of the PDP approaches, party members, especially from the North Central region, have continued pushing for Damagum’s replacement, insisting that his successor must come from their zone. They cited Section 47(6) of the PDP’s constitution, which stipulates that if a vacancy arises in any party office, the executive committee must appoint someone from the same region as the departing officer to complete the term.

The disagreement has sparked a heated debate among party members, with some calling for Damagum’s resignation and others supporting his continued tenure. The situation has raised concerns about the party’s unity and its impact on the Ondo State governorship election.

Speaking on the matter, the Lagos State PDP Vice Chairman, Tai Benedict, stated that the party had been facing problems under Damagum’s leadership and that resolving the conflicts would benefit the party. He added that if Damagum resigned, it would be good for his future.

However, the Abia State PDP Vice Chairman and Acting Publicity Secretary, Abraham Amah, noted that the issues in the party were being resolved. He stated that the national chairman was in his office doing his work, and all other officers of the party were doing theirs, adding that they were working together on the Ondo State election and other national policy matters.

As the PDP struggles to maintain unity, the outcome of the Ondo State governorship election remains uncertain. The party’s ability to resolve its internal conflicts will play a crucial role in determining its success in the election. Will the PDP be able to put aside its differences and emerge victorious, or will its internal cracks prove to be its downfall? Only time will tell.