“PDP Crisis Deepens: 11 NWC Members Reject Appointment of J.Y. Musa as Legal Counsel”
The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a dramatic turn as 11 out of the 17 members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) have publicly disassociated themselves from the appointment of J.Y. Musa as the party’s legal representative by Acting National Chairman, Amb. Iliya Damagum.
Musa, a lawyer with ties to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, was recently appointed to represent the PDP at the Appeal and Supreme Courts. However, the appointment has sparked fresh tension within the party.
In a petition letter dated January 21, 2025, and acknowledged by the registries of both the Appeal and Supreme Courts, the 11 members of the NWC have called for the courts to disregard Musa’s nomination. The petition states that the appointment of Musa to represent the party was unauthorized and that, under the PDP constitution (Article 42), only the National Legal Adviser has the authority to appoint external legal counsel for the party, not the Acting National Chairman.
“We, therefore, urge the Supreme Court to disregard the representation of J.Y. Musa or any other person appointed by the Acting National Chairman on behalf of the party in any appeal or application emanating from the appeal under reference,” the petition reads.
The development comes amid an ongoing legal and leadership struggle within the PDP, adding fuel to the already volatile situation in the opposition party. As tensions rise, it remains to be seen how the dispute will impact the party’s future actions and unity.
