The shaky leadership of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Friday morning in the wake of a split in the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Naija News reports that Nigerians have woken up to the news of the creation of two factions within the party leadership.
The crisis rocking the PDP that began after the party’s presidential primaries for the 2023 elections has now resulted in suspensions and counter-suspensions of the party leadership.
A faction of the PDP loyal to Acting National Chairman Umaru Damagum announced in a statement on Friday morning the suspension of the National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, and the National Legal Adviser, Mr. Kamaludeen Ajibade (SAN).
Naija News reports that the PDP National Publicity Director, Chinwe Norom, disclosed this in a statement issued early on Friday morning.
Norom explained that in accordance with the party’s constitution, the party had set up a committee headed by party vice-president (southern) Taofik Alapaja to investigate the concerns raised against the leaders.
The statement read in part: “Today, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stemming from its 593rd meeting on Thursday, October 10, 2024, is pleased to announce that the National Public Relations Secretary (NPS), Hon.・Mr. Ologunagba and the National Legal Advisor (NLA), Kamarudeen Adeyemi Ajibade SAN, to leave.
“As a result, the NWC has established a committee, chaired by His Excellency the (Southern) National Vice-Chairman Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate the issues raised against the officers in accordance with the provisions of the party constitution.
“Following the decision of the NWC, the NWC has directed the respective Members of Parliament (DNPS and DNLA) to assume office on their behalf from Friday, October 11, 2014, pending the conclusion of the investigation by the Committee. That’s right.
“Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga, Acting National Publicity Secretary and…Okechukwu Osuoha, Acting National Legal Adviser
“The NWC would like to thank all leaders, key stakeholders, influential members and supporters of our great party for their focus and dedication in advancing the day-to-day operations of the PDP for the greater good. I order you to work on it.”
However, the Ajibade-led faction reacted immediately, suspending Damagum and national secretary Samuel Anyanwu for alleged loyalty to the party.
Mr Ologunagba issued a statement on Friday announcing that Mr Damagumu and Mr Anyanwu had also been suspended.
“The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP has thoroughly reviewed the series of complaints lodged against the Acting National Chairman, Mr. Amb Ambar,” the statement read. Their letter to the Court of Appeal in Court of Appeal No:CA/PH/307/2024 against the party’s position in the case involving Mr. Elijah Damagum and the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, especially 27 former members of Rivers. A member of the state House of Assembly who vacated his seat following his defection from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The NWC condemns this anti-party activity of the Acting National Chairman and the National Secretary, which is in flagrant violation of the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) and its oath.
“As a result, the NWC suspended the Ambassador under Articles 57, 58 and 59 of the PDP Constitution. Mr. Ilya Damagumu and Senator Samuel Anyanwu were appointed as the party’s Acting National Chairman and National Secretary respectively. The matter was referred to the National Disciplinary Commission for further action.
“In the meantime, the two officials have been suspended from all meetings, activities and programs of the NWC pending the completion of the investigation by the National Disciplinary Commission.”
