PDP crisis deepens as Ortom and Fayose align with Wike faction, intensifying divisions ahead of the party’s Ibadan convention
PDP crisis deepens further as former governors Samuel Ortom of Benue State and Ayo Fayose of Ekiti throw their support behind the Nyesom Wike-led faction of the opposition party.
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The move has widened existing divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party, which continues to grapple with internal conflict ahead of its National Convention.
The endorsements came in separate statements on Sunday, where both ex-governors blamed the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, for what they described as “ineffective leadership” and exclusionary politics.
They pledged their support for the faction led by National Vice Chairman (North Central), Abdulrahman Mohammed, whom they view as capable of restoring unity and direction.
The crisis escalated after the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an injunction halting the PDP’s planned National Elective Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Justice James Omotosho ordered the suspension of all convention activities pending compliance with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act — a ruling that has now paralysed preparations and deepened mistrust between rival blocs.
In response, the Damagum-led National Working Committee suspended several key officials, including National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), over alleged anti-party activities.
The rival faction swiftly countered by suspending Damagum and others for alleged incompetence and financial misconduct.
Ortom, a member of the PDP’s Board of Trustees, lamented that his earlier calls for inclusiveness and reconciliation were ignored.
“Democracy thrives when people of diverse views come together for the common good,” he said. “Unfortunately, a few individuals have attempted to run the party without collective consultation.”
He described Abdulrahman Mohammed’s emergence as acting National Chairman as “a fresh opportunity to rebuild trust and heal internal wounds,” urging members to embrace reconciliation.
Fayose, speaking in Ado Ekiti, went further, accusing Damagum of “burying the party” through arrogance and poor leadership. “The PDP is in a hopeless situation,” he said. “The Damagum-led NWC are undertakers — they have come to bury the party. But perhaps Abdulrahman can be the doctor that revives it.”
Meanwhile, loyalists of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, are regrouping to challenge the Wike-aligned faction. A source close to the governor confirmed that discussions are ongoing to appeal the Abuja court ruling and sustain plans for the Ibadan convention.
The PDP crisis deepens at a critical time for Nigeria’s main opposition party, as it battles defections, court battles, and internal strife. In Osun State, Senator Adenigba Fadahunsi, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress, declared that the PDP “abandoned itself” and is “as good as dead.”
Former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim also condemned the injunction halting the convention, calling it “a calculated move to weaken the opposition and weaponise the judiciary.”
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As the PDP crisis deepens, the party’s survival ahead of 2027 will depend on whether its warring factions can find common ground — or risk further fragmentation in the face of a resurgent ruling party.
