The newly appointed Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mohammed, officially took over the party’s leadership on Sunday, despite recent calls from party governors for unity and a resolution to internal conflicts.
Mohammed stepped into the role following months of leadership disputes after the resignation of the former National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu. Though the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) had previously appointed Umar Damagum as Acting National Chairman, his position had been contested by some party members.
In his acceptance letter, Mohammed vowed to adhere to the PDP’s constitution and promised to ensure fairness to all party members. “The NWC under my leadership will be guided strictly by the constitution of our party, and I will at all times be fair to all members, irrespective of their status, position, or state in the party,” he said.
He also acknowledged the PDP’s shortcomings as an opposition party, saying, “We must admit that we have not satisfactorily carried out the critical role expected of a virile opposition in a democracy.”
Additionally, Mohammed called on stakeholders from the North-central geopolitical zone to nominate a candidate for the PDP national chairmanship position, which became vacant after Ayu’s departure. He requested that the nominee be submitted for approval at the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on October 24, 2024.
