By Ayomide Otitoju
Heavy security presence was observed on Monday at the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja as former North Central Vice Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, formally assumed office as the party’s acting national chairman.
Mohammed’s takeover follows his declaration as acting chairman by the Samuel Anyanwu-led faction of the National Working Committee (NWC), which suspended the party’s National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.
Earlier in the day, Mohammed addressed supporters at the Federal Capital Territory PDP office, confirming his assumption of the acting chairmanship before proceeding to the party’s Wadata Plaza headquarters, where he was accompanied by a large crowd of loyalists.
The latest development marks a new phase in the escalating leadership crisis rocking the opposition party. Over the weekend, Damagum and some NWC members loyal to him announced the suspension of National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, and several other principal officers.
In a swift countermeasure, the Anyanwu-led faction suspended Damagum, Ologunagba, and four other senior officials, further deepening the internal rift within the party.
When Mohammed resumed at the PDP secretariat on Monday, Damagum and members of the NWC aligned with him were notably absent.
Addressing journalists at the headquarters, Mohammed reiterated his commitment to restoring order and unity within the PDP, calling for peace and adherence to the party’s constitution.
