The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently embroiled in a significant internal leadership crisis, marked by a series of suspensions and counter-suspensions within its National Working Committee (NWC). These turbulent developments have ignited fears of potential factionalization within Nigeria's major opposition party, with prominent figures calling for urgent unity and reconciliation.

The crisis intensified when the NWC, led by then-National Chairman Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagun, announced the one-month suspension of four key officials following its 608th meeting in Abuja. Those suspended were National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), and Deputy National Legal Adviser Okechukwu Osuoha. The party cited anti-party activities as the reason for their suspension, stating it was to strengthen democracy and maintain discipline, and referred their cases to the National Disciplinary Committee. During this period, Hon. Arc. Setonji Koshoedo was appointed to act as National Secretary, while the National Director of Legal Services oversaw the legal department. This action was notably in compliance with a court ruling that had halted the party's planned national convention.

In a swift and dramatic counter-move, a faction of the PDP led by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who was among those initially suspended, announced their own suspension of Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum. Briefing journalists in Abuja, Anyanwu's faction cited incompetence, financial misconduct, and disregard for court judgment as reasons for Damagum's one-month suspension, also referring him to the Disciplinary Committee. This faction further suspended other prominent NWC members, including National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, Deputy National Vice Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, National Financial Secretary Daniel Woyenguikoro, National Youth Leader Sulaiman Kadade, and Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo, all for 30 days, to face the Disciplinary Committee. Concurrently, the Anyanwu faction announced the appointment of Mohammed Abdulrahman, the National Vice Chairman (North-Central), as the new Acting National Chairman of the party.

Amidst these turbulent events, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose emerged as a strong voice, congratulating Mohammed Abdulrahman on his emergence and urging him to prioritize unity and reconciliation within the party. Fayose emphasized that the PDP was “in dire need of a new direction” and called upon Abdulrahman to act swiftly to restore peace and confidence among members. He specifically advised the new chairman to address what he described as “shenanigans and injustice” within the party, particularly in states like Ekiti, in accordance with the party constitution and existing court pronouncements. Fayose also stressed the importance of working with all stakeholders to ensure a credible National Convention that would produce a new National Working Committee, suggesting this should occur immediately after outstanding congresses are held and those done against court judgments are revisited. He underscored that “the party must heal from within if it hopes to reclaim its place in Nigeria’s political landscape.”

The undercurrents of this crisis have been building for some time, with fears of factionalization emerging following the removal of loyalists of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike due to alleged anti-party activities. As far back as September 2, 2025, Wike and his group, which included the embattled National Secretary Anyanwu and former Ekiti Governor Fayose, had met in Abuja. They formulated certain conditions for the elective national convention, calling for the party chairmanship to be retained in the North Central and demanding fresh state and zonal congresses in Ekiti, Ebonyi, and the South East geopolitical zones, emphasizing principles of equity, justice, inclusivity, and the rule of law.

Regarding legal challenges, the PDP, through its National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, expressed dismay at a Federal High Court Abuja judgment, describing it as an “assault on Nigeria’s democratic process.” However, the party asserted that this judgment does not invalidate its ability to proceed with preparations for a National Convention to elect new national officers, citing a Supreme Court ruling affirming a political party's supremacy in managing its internal affairs. The PDP has directed its lawyers to appeal this judgment in its unwavering determination to uphold, defend, and promote multi-party democracy.

Locally, the Osun State chapter of the PDP debunked a publication alleging the suspension of all party meetings due to a purported national crisis. In a statement, the State Publicity Secretary, Jacob Ayodeji Areola, dismissed the report as false and mischievous, attributing it to opposition elements, particularly the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Osun PDP affirmed that its structures remain intact, vibrant, and fully committed to supporting Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, assuring members of its stability and resolve to ensure his re-election in 2026, while also initiating moves to prosecute those responsible for spreading misinformation.