The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum for overstepping his authority and violating the party's constitution.
Led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, the BoT condemned Damagum's unilateral decision to cancel the 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and reinstate Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary.
The 99th NEC meeting held on May 27, 2025, had resolved to hold the 100th NEC meeting on June 30, 2025. However, Damagum's recent actions have sparked widespread backlash from party members, with the BoT asserting that the NEC is the party's highest decision-making body after the National Convention, and Damagum's actions have no legal standing.
The National Working Committee (NWC) has also rejected Damagum's move to reinstate Anyanwu, citing the party's constitution. Eleven NWC members publicly opposed the reinstatement, arguing that Damagum lacks the authority to alter NEC decisions.
Meanwhile, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has weighed in on the crisis, stating that Damagum lacks the authority to instruct Anyanwu to resume duties.
Supporters of Damagum argue that his actions are backed by the party's constitution, specifically Section 35(1)(c), (d), and (i), which empower the Chairman to provide effective leadership, promote party integrity, and ensure compliance with the constitution. They also cite a recent Supreme Court ruling that political parties have ultimate authority over their internal affairs.
The crisis within the PDP continues to unfold, with different factions vying for control. The party's National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, has been disowned by Damagum over comments about the NEC meeting, adding to the internal tensions.
