In a dramatic and unexpected turn of events, Isaac Fayose, the brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, has declared himself the new National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This bold move has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly within the PDP, one of the country’s major political parties.
Isaac Fayose’s declaration didn’t just stop at announcing his self-proclaimed leadership; he also suspended key figures in the party. This includes influential members like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and other members of the G5 group.
Isaac Fayose took to social media to make his announcement, boldly stating that the current Acting National Chairman, Mr. Damagum, had been suspended. He claimed authority over the party, instructing the security personnel at the PDP headquarters to take control of the keys and ensure the headquarters remained secure. He made it clear that anyone who felt aggrieved by his decision should not come to the secretariat to cause trouble, but rather take the matter to court.
Isaac’s suspension of these high-profile members is rooted in accusations of internal conflict and “anti-party” activities. According to Isaac, Atiku Abubakar’s political ambitions have been causing chaos within the PDP, and as a result, he too was suspended. Isaac also stated that the G5 governors, including Ayo Fayose and Seyi Makinde, were contributing to the unrest in the party, and thus, they too faced suspension.
Isaac’s declaration came shortly after a faction of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) suspended Damagum, the party’s National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade. This factional battle for leadership has been brewing within the PDP, creating uncertainty about the party’s future direction.
The unfolding leadership struggle took another turn when the Federal High Court in Abuja stepped in. The court issued an order restraining the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and the Board of Trustees (BoT) from removing Mr. Damagum as the Acting National Chairman of the party. This ruling effectively puts a hold on any efforts to officially recognize Isaac Fayose as the party leader.
According to the court’s directive, Damagum will remain in his position as the PDP Acting National Chairman until the party’s national convention, which is scheduled to take place in December next year. The court also warned that no other person should be recognized as the national chairman until the convention.
This legal ruling has created a stalemate within the party, as Isaac Fayose’s claim to leadership clashes with the court’s decision to keep Damagum in charge.
Isaac Fayose’s sudden declaration and suspension of key figures within the party have left many wondering about the future of the PDP. The party, already facing internal divisions, is now grappling with competing factions that both lay claim to leadership. The suspension of heavyweights like Atiku Abubakar, Nyesom Wike, and others only deepens the internal crisis, raising questions about whether the PDP can maintain unity in the lead-up to the next national convention.
Isaac’s bold move has also raised eyebrows due to his relatively low profile within the party compared to the other members he has suspended. His claim to leadership is seen by many as unconventional and even risky, especially with the court stepping in to maintain the current leadership structure.
Despite Isaac’s firm stance, the PDP’s leadership crisis remains unresolved, and the battle for control continues. As the legal process unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the party navigates these challenges and whether Isaac Fayose’s self-proclaimed leadership will hold any weight in the long term.
The declaration by Isaac Fayose has added a new layer of complexity to the ongoing power struggle within the PDP. With key figures suspended and the court ruling in favor of keeping Mr. Damagum as the Acting National Chairman, the party is now at a critical juncture. As the national convention approaches next year, it remains to be seen whether the PDP can overcome these internal divisions and present a united front for future elections.
For now, the party remains in limbo, with multiple factions vying for control. How this drama unfolds will likely shape the future of Nigeria’s political landscape.
