Yayari Mohammed has taken office as the factional Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite ongoing internal conflicts and a recent court order.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, Mohammed declared his acceptance of the appointment, which was made by a section of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) last Friday.
“I am humbled and grateful for the numerous messages of solidarity, support and best wishes received from members of our party across the country,” Mohammed stated, acknowledging the widespread reaction to his appointment.
The factional chairman outlined his priorities, emphasizing a commitment to party constitution and inclusivity.
“The NWC under my leadership will be guided strictly by the constitution of our party and I will at all times be fair to all members irrespective of their status, position or state in the party,” Mohammed affirmed.
He added, “Only this will guarantee and engender loyalty and commitment of our teeming members.”
Mohammed’s primary focus appears to be on convening a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which he claims is “long overdue.”
He announced that this meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, October 24, 2024, highlighting its importance in restoring confidence among party members.
In a significant move, Mohammed has called on PDP members from the North-central zone to nominate a candidate for the position of substantive national chairman.
This request is in line with the party’s constitution, as the zone is entitled to produce a replacement for former National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu.
“The Northcentral Zone which is constitutionality entitled to produce a replacement to serve out the tenure of the former National Chairman, Sen. Iyorchia Ayu, is hereby requested to urgently meet and forward its nominee to my office,” Mohammed stated, indicating that this nomination would be considered at the upcoming NEC meeting.
The current crisis within the PDP has seen rival factions suspending each other’s officials.
Mohammed’s appointment came after the faction led by National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba suspended Umar Damagun, who had been serving as acting chairman since 2023, along with National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu. In retaliation, Damagun’s faction had earlier suspended Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade.
Mohammed’s decision to assume office contradicts a Federal High Court order prohibiting the removal of Damagun from his position. It also bypasses ongoing efforts by party organs, including the Board of Trustees (BoT) and the PDP Governors’ Forum, to resolve the internal conflict.
In his statement, Mohammed acknowledged the party’s recent struggles, particularly in its role as the opposition. “Regrettably, we must admit that we have not satisfactorily carried out the critical role expected of a virile opposition in a democracy,” he conceded, attributing this failure to internal conflicts of interest.
As the crisis unfolds, Mohammed has called for cooperation from all party organs and stakeholders.
“I hereby seek and solicit the cooperation, support and advice from my colleagues NWC members, all organs of the party, especially the PDP Governors’ Forum, the Board of Trustees (BoT), the National Assembly Caucus as well as leaders, critical stakeholders and members towards a successful NEC meeting,” he appealed.
