A group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), known as the Victory Advocates of Nigeria (VAN), has urged the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to swiftly take charge of managing the party’s affairs in accordance with the party’s constitution.
VAN expressed serious concern over the growing crisis within the PDP, citing internal divisions, leadership struggles, and a decline in the party’s organizational strength.
The group’s position was made known in a communiqué on Monday, signed by its National President, Prince Seyi Ajibola, and National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Musa Adamu, following an emergency meeting of the group’s National Executive Council to discuss the ongoing challenges within the PDP.
“In view of the critical situation, VAN calls on the National Executive Council of the PDP to urgently assume control over the management of the party’s affairs in line with the party constitution. This decisive action is necessary to restore unity, rebuild trust, and avert the risk of a total collapse.
“The council expresses deep concern over the escalating crisis within the party, which has manifested in internal divisions, leadership disputes, and weakened organizational cohesion. The current state of affairs threatens the unity and stability of the party and risks jeopardizing its role as a formidable opposition force and a key player in Nigeria’s democratic process.
“VAN reiterates its commitment to supporting peace and reconciliation initiatives within the party. We call on all party members, stakeholders, and leaders to put the interests of the party above personal ambitions and grievances, and to work collaboratively towards resolving the current challenges,” it stated.
Prince Ajibola further reiterated the commitment to supporting peace and reconciliation initiatives within the party, urging all party members, stakeholders, and leaders to put the interests of the party above personal ambitions and grievances, and to work collaboratively towards resolving the current challenges.
The PDP has been engulfed in an internal crisis that has deepened since 2022, leading to significant divisions within its National Working Committee (NWC).
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The situation took a dramatic turn last Friday as the party’s national leadership splintered into two factions, each headed by different leaders: Yayari Mohammed and the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.
The rift within the PDP escalated after a faction of the NWC led by Damagum announced the suspension of the party’s National Legal Adviser, Adeyemi Ajibade, and the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.
This decision was taken following the 593rd NWC meeting held on Thursday. In their place, Ibrahim Abdullahi and Okechukwu Osuoha were appointed as acting replacements.
However, the infighting took another twist when Ologunagba, in a counter statement, declared the suspension of Damagum and the National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, citing a series of complaints lodged against the two officials as the basis for their suspension.
The unfolding drama has further intensified the internal strife within the PDP, casting a shadow over its national leadership and raising concerns about the party’s cohesion as it navigates these turbulent times.
The council further acknowledged that the crisis has revealed the need for comprehensive reforms within the party structure adding that it remained committed to the ideals and principles of the People’s Democratic Party.
“We urged the leadership to undertake these reforms with transparency and a focus on enhancing the democratic processes, promoting accountability, and rebuilding the party’s image. We pledge our continued support to the leadership of the party in the efforts to navigate through this challenging period and emerge stronger.
“We appeals to all members of the PDP across Nigeria to remain steadfast, calm, and supportive of efforts aimed at resolving the crisis. We urge members to avoid actions that could further exacerbate tensions and to embrace dialogue as the preferred approach for conflict resolution.
It emphasized the urgent need for the PDP to realign itself with the aspirations of the Nigerian people and to reclaim its position as a leading voice for democracy, development, and national unity.
