There was a heavy presence of security operatives at the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Monday as Abdulrahman Mohammed, former Vice Chairman for PDP North Central, formally assumed office as the acting national chairman.
Mohammed’s takeover followed his declaration as acting chairman by the Samuel Anyanwu-led National Working Committee (NWC) after the suspension of Umar Damagum, the party’s substantive national chairman, and Debo Ologunagba, the national publicity secretary.
Earlier in the day, Mohammed addressed a crowd of supporters at the PDP’s FCT office before proceeding to the national secretariat, where he reaffirmed his commitment to restoring unity and order in the party.
The development marks a fresh twist in the PDP’s escalating leadership crisis. Over the weekend, Damagum’s faction had announced the suspension of National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, and several key officers.
In a counter move, Anyanwu’s faction suspended Damagum, Ologunagba, and four others, creating parallel leadership structures within the party.
When Mohammed resumed at the Wadata Plaza headquarters on Monday, Damagum and his loyal NWC members were notably absent, while police and private security personnel maintained tight surveillance around the premises to prevent a breakdown of order.
Addressing journalists, Mohammed said he was assuming the role in line with the PDP constitution and urged members to remain calm while efforts were being made to stabilise the party’s leadership ahead of its National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan.
