The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is once again embroiled in a bitter leadership crisis as a faction led by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, takes legal action to hold a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
This move comes in open defiance of an earlier order issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which bars the party from removing its acting national chairman, Umar Damagum.
The faction has now approached the Zamfara High Court, seeking an ex-parte order to convene the NEC meeting, which they insist is crucial for the future of the party.
This meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, October 24th, 2024, at the PDP’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
The ongoing power struggle within the PDP has raised questions about the party’s ability to manage its internal conflicts.
At the heart of this legal battle is a motion filed by the Bala Mohammed faction, which is calling for an interlocutory injunction to prevent any postponement of the NEC meeting.
The plaintiffs argue that the meeting is essential for resolving key party issues, and any delay would further harm the party’s internal cohesion.
In their court filing, they emphasize that they are legitimate members of the PDP and claim that the National Working Committee (NWC) plays a vital role in the party’s day-to-day operations.
This legal action is the latest development in a series of disputes that have rocked the PDP in recent months.
Governor Bala Mohammed and his faction have accused the acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, of overstepping his authority and failing to maintain unity within the party.
According to them, Damagum’s leadership has led to unnecessary delays and conflicts, making it difficult for the party to move forward.
The plaintiffs are now seeking court approval to hold the NEC meeting as planned, arguing that it is crucial for the party’s decision-making process.
They also want to ensure that no other meeting held on a different date is recognized as the 99th NEC Meeting of the PDP.
This is seen as an attempt to assert control over the party’s internal affairs and prevent any rival factions from challenging their authority.
Legal experts believe that the court’s ruling on this matter could have significant implications for the PDP’s leadership structure.
If the court grants the interlocutory injunction, it would allow the Bala Mohammed faction to proceed with the NEC meeting and potentially push for changes within the party’s leadership.
However, if the court denies their request, the party could face further divisions, with rival factions jockeying for control.
One of the key issues at stake in this legal battle is the status of the suspended National Vice Chairman for the South East Zone, Ali Odefa.
The plaintiffs are seeking an order from the court to prevent the PDP’s NWC and other party bodies from recognizing Odefa as a member or officer of the party during the ongoing proceedings.
This move is part of a broader effort to marginalize opponents within the party and consolidate power within the Bala Mohammed faction.
In their court filing, the plaintiffs argue that the PDP’s constitution does not grant the National Secretary the authority to exercise disciplinary control over National Officers.
They claim that the NWC, which they control, is the only body with the power to manage the party’s internal affairs.
The court is yet to announce a date for hearing the motion, but the outcome could have a profound impact on the PDP’s internal dynamics.
As the PDP prepares for the upcoming NEC meeting, tensions are running high.
Supporters of Umar Damagum have criticized the legal action, accusing the Bala Mohammed faction of undermining the party’s unity.
They argue that the court order barring the removal of Damagum is still in effect, and any attempt to hold a NEC meeting without his consent would be illegal.
This internal conflict has raised concerns about the future of the PDP, especially as the party prepares for the 2025 general elections.
Political analysts believe that the PDP’s inability to resolve its internal disputes could weaken its chances at the polls.
The PDP has long been known for its internal wrangling, but this latest crisis is seen as particularly damaging because of the timing.
With just over a year until the next general elections, the party is struggling to present a united front to the Nigerian electorate.
