The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP Governors’ Forum, Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has dispelled reports of factions within the party.
This is even as crisis continues to rock the party.
Governor Bala said this at the end of their meeting with the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum who led PDP Chairmen from the North East on visit to him at Government House, Bauchi, on Friday.
There were reports that Damagum had been suspended and Mohammed Ahmed Yayari appointed as Acting National.Chairman.
Despite the suspension, Governor Bala said the party remained intact and capable of addressing its internal crises.
“I would say that we have met and discussed these situations extensively with the acting National Chairman and we have agreed to work together along with other party organs –the BOT, the members of the Governors’ Forum, the Caucus of the Senate and the House to resolve all these issues and that is the major take away of this visit,” he said while fielding questions from journalists after their close door meeting.
He said the party would deepen stockholdings and collaboration to address every issue disparaging members.
Governor Bala described as perceptions allegations of party disloyalty levelled against Damagum and a reported plan to impeach him (Governor Bala Mohammed) as Chairman of Governors’ forum
“These are just manifestations because of body language,” he said. “We have discussed everything on relationships and interrelations and disagreements and we have decided that henceforth we will not allow gaps”
He regretted his disagreement with Damagum saying it had been costly on both sides.
“I took a position that was against him and certainly you are going to have these disparaging manifestations that we have now decided henceforth we will not allow it,” he said.
He berated journalists for creating imaginary divisions in the PDP whereas there is none “We are not recognising any faction,” he stated.
“We are together as a party and we will definitely resolve all our issues. “There is no faction in the PDP. “That is the benefit of doubt that Damgum has done to me by coming and agreeing that we should do that.
“The final decision does not rest on two of us but other members that are stakeholders within the PDP Governors’ forum, within the BOT and within the caucus and other stakeholders in the party,” he added.
Governor Bala reaffirmed his commitment to resolved all the lingering problems bedevilled the party in order ensure unity and understanding among the party leadership and expressed his gratitude for the visit and commended the leadership of the party.
The Governor highlighted the remarkable political strength of the northeast, emphasizing that the region boasts influential leaders who are pivotal to the party’s success.
Governor Bala said that members of the PDP Governors’Forum will continue to enhance unity and collaboration within the party, reaffirming that the PDP remains united and committed to the vision of national development.
He pledged to engage with his colleagues in the PDP Governors’ Forum to ensure the Party continues to chart a forward-looking course, particularly as the 2027 elections approach.
Governor Bala expressed his gratitude for the visit, reaffirming his commitment to supporting the PDP and its leadership.
He pledged the Forum’s continuous backing of the party’s National Working Committee and its efforts to move the party forward.
The Acting National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Umar Iliya Damagum led PDP Chairmen from six Northeastern states on a solidarity visit to the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, who also serves as the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum.
The delegation, comprising PDP Chairmen from Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, and Borno States, met with Governor Bala Mohammed to discuss the challenges facing the party and explore ways to strengthen its structures in the region and the country.
Damagum said the PDP’s enduring position as Nigeria’s most resilient and dependable political party
He praised Governor Bala’s significant contributions to the party’s success, particularly in fostering unity and cohesion within the PDP.
Damagum said PDP remains the only surviving political party that is tested and trusted, Damagun said they were in Bauchi to engage with Governor Bala on critical issues as we move forward as a united front.
He explained the importance of unity within the party, stating that the meeting aimed to address critical issues and reinforce the PDP’s position in the country.
Damagun, PDP Chairmen from northeast hold closed door meeting with Governor Bala Mohammed
You would recalled that there were reports that a faction of the National Working Committee of PDP had suspended Damagum and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, for alleged disloyalty to the party, and announced Ahmed Mohammed Yayari, from Gombe State as Damagum’s replacement.
Similarly a faction of the NWC aligned with Damagum also announced the suspension of the National Legal Adviser, Kamaluddeen Ajibade, and the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, for alleged disloyalty to the party.