…Defy court order to conduct Ward Congresses
…As Ombugadu said to consider move to Labour Party to actualize ambition
…Internal power tussle only weakening the party – stakeholders

By Zwànke Zwanke

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State is facing a fierce internal battle for control, with former gubernatorial candidate Emmanuel Ombugadu and state party chairman Hon. Francis Orogu at the center of a power struggle. 

Both leaders, accused of maneuvering to secure the party’s future leadership ahead of the 2027 elections, are up against influential party elites, labeled as “oligarchs,” who are reportedly working to undermine their influence. The situation escalated following the ward congress held on September 28, 2024, which proceeded despite a court order seeking to halt the election.

Despite a court order seeking to halt the ward congress, election held on Saturday, 28th September, the election went ahead under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies.

Political Power Struggle

Both Orogu and Ombugadu have reportedly laid the groundwork to secure their political influence ahead of the 2027 general elections, allegedly backing candidates loyal to them. 

According to party insiders, it was alleged that  Dr. Ombugadu has reportedly spent over N60 million to support party members at the ward and state levels, which has sparked controversy regarding his political intentions. Some critics within the party claim that Ombugadu’s actions are self-serving, designed to consolidate his influence over the party’s future, particularly with another possible run for the governorship in 2027.

Allegations of Sabotage

The PDP in Nasarawa State has long been regarded as a formidable opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, the current internal crisis threatens to divide the party. Although some members accuse the powerful “oligarchs” like Senator Onawo, Adokwe, former deputy governor Mike Abdul others within the party of attempting to undermine both Orogu and Ombugadu. Those who have followed developments within the party for years are alleging that Francis Orogu has become more of a dictator that a party chairman, an approach to leadership which has isolated majority of the bigwigs and financiers of the party. Many who spoke to The EYEWITNESS are of the opinion that the interest of Orogu in constantly pushing for Ombugadu to be the representative of the party in the last two elections and possibly in 2027 are pecuniary driven and not in the overall interest of the party.

“Orogu has over the years made the PDP in the state to be his private entity where only what he desires has to be done thereby undermining the party and what it can deliver. You cannot isolate party leaders in decision making and expect them to support your personal decision” a party member alleged.

One party member commented, “The recent court order is part of a broader strategy by some party leaders to set the party aright and bring in a common sense of belonging to all within the party.”

Response to Court Order

Despite the court order, the election proceeded in several local government areas, including Lafia. Political analysts suggest that the Orogu-led faction’s decision to go ahead with the congress demonstrates its determination to maintain his firm grip on the party, a disposition which has polarized the party for years. 

However, in another development, local leaders in seven LGAs reportedly distanced themselves from the court order, dismissing it as irrelevant to their internal democratic processes. A PDP official, speaking anonymously, stated, “We see this court order as a distraction, orchestrated by mischief-makers within and outside the party who are bent on derailing our preparations for 2027.”

Nevertheless, some political observers have cautioned the party against ignoring the court order. They draw parallels to recent rulings in states like Zamfara and Plateau, where courts nullified elections due to procedural irregularities. “The PDP must handle this issue carefully,” noted one analyst. “They risk a scenario where the courts could overturn election results, as we saw with national and state Houses of Assembly members in other states.”

Crisis Management

The internal tensions within the Nasarawa PDP could have long-lasting implications if left unresolved. Political observers warn that the party must find a “soft landing” to resolve the power struggle between its leadership and the so-called oligarchs. Failure to do so could lead to further legal challenges and potential electoral losses in 2027.

As one observer pointed out, “If the PDP wants to remain a strong opposition, they must resolve these internal conflicts swiftly. Otherwise, they risk handing an advantage to the APC in future elections.”

Failure to resolve the internal crisis could weaken the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections, leaving the PDP vulnerable to further fragmentation and legal challenges. 

In the words of an observer, “The PDP must prioritize unity and resolve these issues internally, or risk being consumed by the very forces that seek to destroy it.”

The EYEWITNESS reports that the Nasarawa PDP, long seen as the strongest opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), now risks being torn apart by this internal conflict. As power brokers in the party question the motives of Ombugadu and Orogu, alleging that the duo are steering the party for personal gains, observers warn that the fallout from these divisions could have far-reaching implications for the PDP’s electoral prospects.

Observers of developments within the PDP are of the opinion that Orogu, backed by Ombugadu’s deep pockets, would do everything possible to influences the outcome of the leadership tussle within their party.

However, in the event that they succumb to yearnings by their members for an inclusive exercise and the chairman’s faction loses. Many scenarios are said to be possible going forward.

It has been posited that Barr. Ayiwulu Baba Ayiwulu’s defection to Labour Party from the PDP is precursor to where the Ombugadu’s faction would be headed in the event that they don’t get their wish.

However, some party stalwarts dismiss the idea citing that it would amount to the greatest level of ingratitude ans self service for Ombugadu to consider any move away from the PDP that has graciously given him their ticket and total support in the last two guber elections. They are of the opinion that Ombugadu is a party player and he is only seeking what is in the overall interest of the party.

“In f he considers any move away from the PDP that would be his end politically. That would be an act of ingratitude to the thousands of party supporters that stood by him in the rain and sunshine over the years when those he defeated in the primaries of the governorship elections stood by him”.

“He must understand that politics is not about a person’s personal self-serving interest. Himself an Eggon man has been supported by the majority of the people in the state across ethnic and religious divides, if he leaves the party now he risks taking the Eggon nation into another round of isolationists politics. If its’ true he must rethink such a greedy move.

The general feeling among party stakeholders is however that of discontent over what they termed Francis Orogu’s dictatorial tendencies which is not healthy for the party after several attempts to wrest power from the ruling APC on a couple of occasions.

In addition, defying court order to proceed with court order and going ahead with party ward congresses only laid credence to the desperation to influence the outcome of the impending state congress which further puts the party at risk and Mr. orogu himself in contempt of court order.