Former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose has thrown his weight behind the suspension of Umar Damagum as national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, warning that the party is fast heading toward extinction if urgent action is not taken.
The PDP National Working Committee, led by Damagum, had on Saturday suspended several key officials, including National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, Deputy Legal Adviser Okechukwu Osuoha, and National Organising Secretary Umaru Bature, over allegations of anti-party activities. The party’s spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, announced the decision after an emergency NWC meeting in Abuja.
Moments later, a rival faction loyal to Anyanwu, reportedly backed by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, announced a counter-suspension of Damagum and some NWC members, naming North Central Vice Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman as the new acting national chairman.
Speaking in Ado-Ekiti, Fayose lamented the deepening crisis within the PDP, describing the party as “hopeless” and on the brink of collapse. He accused the current leadership of lacking direction and acting as undertakers for a once-powerful political movement.
“There is no hope for the PDP at the moment. Even the captains of our ship are abandoning it. They are jumping from one bed to another. Who is left to hold the party together? The PDP has practically gone into extinction,” Fayose said. “The Damagum-led committee has come to bury the party. They are busy suspending and counter-suspending themselves when the house is already burning.”
Despite his criticism, Fayose expressed cautious optimism in the emergence of Abdulrahman, describing him as a “doctor” who might be able to revive the party if given a chance. “We are happy to have a new acting chairman in Abdulrahman. If he truly wants to rescue this party, he has our support,” he added.
Drawing parallels with the fall of former PDP chairman Iyorchia Ayu, Fayose predicted that Damagum’s exit would be permanent. “This is exactly how Ayu’s troubles began. Damagum will not return to that office. He was never meant to be chairman; he only stepped in temporarily but manipulated the process to stay longer. His actions created confusion and division across the board. It is clear he has neither the competence nor the capacity for that role,” he stated.
Fayose called on Abdulrahman to focus on healing the party’s internal wounds, restoring confidence among members, and rebuilding the PDP into a credible opposition force once again.
