Fresh turmoil has erupted within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Abdulrahman Mohammed on Monday forcefully declared himself the new Acting National Chairman, heightening the factional crisis at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
Mohammed, who marched into the chairman’s office in a dramatic show of takeover, said he was stepping in to rescue the PDP from what he called a rapid decline under the current leadership. His move was made while the embattled National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum, was absent from the premises — a development that intensified confusion within the opposition party.
Speaking earlier at a press briefing in Abuja, Mohammed said key stakeholders had urged him to assume leadership at what he described as a defining moment for the PDP.
“At this troubled time, I have accepted to become Acting National Chairman through the mercy of God and the support of critical stakeholders of this party,” he announced.
He lamented that the PDP, once Nigeria’s dominant political force, had become weakened by endless internal wrangling, which he blamed for the steady loss of governors, lawmakers, and other influential members to rival parties.
“We must confront the current pitiable state of our glorious party,” he said. “From ruling this country for 16 straight years to struggling as a disorganised opposition for over a decade — this is not who we are.”
Mohammed unveiled a three-point recovery plan:
heal the party’s deep divisions and end factional battles,
restore internal discipline and strengthen its role as a credible opposition,
organise an all-inclusive National Convention after pending congresses are concluded nationwide.
“The task ahead is to return this party to its true owners — the Nigerian people,” he declared, calling on all members to support what he described as a “new dawn” for the PDP.
Tension had been building earlier in the day when some party staff attempted to block suspended National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, from entering his office. Police intervened with teargas to disperse the protesters who insisted Anyanwu must step aside until the leadership dispute is resolved.
Shortly after order was restored, Mohammed’s supporters gained access to the building, clearing the way for his symbolic occupation of the chairman’s office — a bold action that further deepened the stand-off.
Security operatives from the FCT Police Command have since been deployed to secure the facility, as the two rival camps dig in for a prolonged test of strength over the party’s leadership and future direction.
The PDP now faces renewed uncertainty as Nigerians watch to see whether the unfolding drama will lead to reconciliation — or an even bigger split within the once-dominant political powerhouse.