The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Acting National Chairman Umar Illiya Damagum has called on security agencies to arrest Ahmed Yayari Mohammed, who leads a faction claiming party leadership.
News About Nigeria reports that Damagum’s directive follows accusations that Mohammed’s group has defied court order.
The internal crisis gained momentum with a series of high-profile suspensions involving key figures, including national publicity secretary Debo Ologunagba and national legal adviser Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade.
These officials were suspended for allegedly engaging in “anti-party activities” tied to unresolved conflicts within the Rivers State PDP branch.
In retaliation, Mohammed’s faction announced the suspension of Damagum and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, accusing them of undermining party unity.
“This tit-for-tat suspension only highlights a blatant disregard for both our constitution and the judiciary,” said Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga, Acting National Publicity Secretary under Damagum’s leadership, during a recent press briefing.
Manga said that the faction’s decision to seek security intervention was essential to upholding legal orders and maintaining party stability.
The Damagum-led faction has stood by its recent actions, claiming that all decisions, including suspensions, followed resolutions passed in a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting on October 10, 2024.
Manga criticised Mohammed’s faction’s retaliatory actions as a “motor park approach,” urging members to support Damagum in seeking a resolution and condemning those jeopardising the party’s future.
He added, “We urge our members to support the leadership of H.E. Amb. Umar Illiya Damagum in seeking a lasting resolution. It’s unfortunate to see certain individuals risking the party’s future by disregarding the collective decisions of their colleagues.”
