 by proclaiming himself the new National Chairman.){kind=link}
Isaac Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose, has caused a stir within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by proclaiming himself the new National Chairman.
This move has intensified internal divisions, as Fayose announced the suspension of several key party figures.
In a surprising turn of events, Fayose suspended prominent leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, his brother Ayo Fayose, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and members of the G5 group.
“It’s official; I am the new national chairman of the PDP,” Fayose declared, further revealing that he had taken control of the party’s headquarters. He also claimed to have instructed security personnel at Wadata House to secure the premises, stating, “The [Acting] National Chairman, Mr. Damagum, has been suspended, and the secretariat’s keys are with security.”
Fayose did not shy away from addressing the reason behind the suspensions, emphasizing that those unhappy with his decision should seek legal recourse instead of disrupting party activities. “If you’re dissatisfied, please go to court. We don’t want any trouble at the secretariat,” he said, while also labeling Atiku a “headache” for the party.
This declaration follows ongoing internal strife within the PDP. Recently, a faction within the National Working Committee (NWC) suspended Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade.
However, the Abuja Federal High Court has issued a ruling preventing any alterations to Damagum’s leadership. The court ordered that Damagum remain the Acting National Chairman until the next PDP convention, slated for December next year.
As a result, Fayose’s self-declared leadership and the suspensions he has imposed may face legal hurdles, marking a potentially turbulent period for the party’s leadership.