A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state who is the Chairman of the party’s Governors Forum has approached a federal high court in Gusau, seeking to prevent the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from stopping a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduked for Thursday, October 24.
The Bala Mohammed faction, which is pushing for appointment of a substantive National Chairman from the North Central Zone, is also asking the court for a declaration as null and void all actions taken by the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, after the NEC meeting of Thursday.
The attempt to remove Damagum has split the PDP governors into two distinct factions. One group, led by Governor Bala Mohammed, comprises seven governors, including Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, all supporting Damagum’s removal.
Opposing this move are three governors, led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who are in favor of Damagum remaining in office. Governors Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, and Agbu Kefas of Taraba State stand with Makinde.
Meanwhile, two governors, Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, have remained neutral, refusing to align with either faction amid the ongoing power struggle.
The crisis deepened on Friday when the PDP’s national leadership splintered into two factions, with one led by Yayari Mohammed and the other by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum. This division followed the suspension of National Legal Adviser Adeyemi Ajibade and National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba by Damagum’s faction of the National Working Committee (NWC).
The suit filed today, and seen as a sign of desperation by the Bala Mohammed faction, was initiated by a certain Imam Auwal.
The Bala Mohammed faction is seeking: A DECLARATION that by the clear and unambiguous provisions of sections 47 (6) of the Peoples Democratic Partys Constitution, 2017 (As amended), the Deputy National Chairman cannot complete the tenure of a removed National Chairman, same can only act until a replacement is appointed in line with the constitution.
A DECLARATION that all actions taking by the acting National Chairman after the National Executive Committee meeting of Thursday 24th October, 2024 purporting to be in the capacity of National Chairman, whether acting or otherwise, are unlawful, unconstitutional, null and void.
A DECLARATION that the suspension of the National Vice Chairman (South East Zone) pursuant to section 57 (3) of the 1st Defendants Constitution is valid and effectively terminates his membership of the National Working Committee and membership of all other organs of the 1st Defendant.
A DECLARATION that it is unlawful, unconstitutional and inappropriate for the National Working Committee or any other organ of the 1st Defendant to allow the former National Vice Chairman (South East Zone) to continue attending its meetings and parading himself as a national officer of the party, in flagrant violation of Article 57 (3) of the 1st Defendants Constitution.
AN ORDER compelling the Defendants to adhere strictly to the provisions of Peoples Democratic Party Constitution in the running of its affairs and to steer clear of arbitrary actions that will amount to disregard for its own constitution.
AN ORDER directing the 2nd Defendant not to receive any correspondence or communication of whatever nature from the 1st Defendant, unless a substantive National Chairman is appointed in accordance with Section 47 (6) of the Peoples Democratic Party Constitution, 2017 (as amended).
AN ORDER directing all organs of the 1st Defendant to cease and desist from treating the former National Vice Chairman (South East Zone) Mr. Ali Odefa as an officer of the 1st Defendant.
AN ORDER compelling Mr. Ali Odefa to stop parading himself as an officer or member of the 1st Defendant, following his lawful suspension by his Ward Executive.
