The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues to grapple with internal disputes as 11 members of the National Labor Commission (NWC) seek the removal of its national chairman, Umaru Damagumu and Secretary of State Samuel Anyanwu.
Naija News reports that the development is related to the ongoing legal dispute over the position of the party’s secretary.
NWC members insist that Damagum should stay aside to allow a new chairman to emerge.
They also claim Anyanwu’s replacement and cite his candidacy for the IMO governorship election as a basis for relinquishing his role as national secretary.
In a letter dated January 21 to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and the President of the Court of Appeal, members of the NWC expressed their disapproval of the unilateral appointment of Dr. Zee Moosa to the Sangh. Appeal case. They stressed that under Article 42 of the PDP Constitution, only the National Legal Advisor has the power to appoint external lawyers.
The letter, signed by prominent party officials including Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, was obtained by the Supreme Court on January 24 and the Court of Appeal on January 23. .
The PDP leadership crisis has been ongoing since Damagum took over as acting chairman following the court-ordered removal of chairman Iyorchia Ayu. Critics accused Damagum of failing to resolve the party’s problems, further reducing its influence.
Efforts to resolve the dispute over the position of head of state have also faced setbacks.
The Court of Appeal in Enugu confirmed Sunday Udeokoyi as the new National Chief Justice in December 2024, but a subsequent restraining order from the Abuja Court of Appeal ensured that Anyanwu would retain the role until the Supreme Court issues its final judgment. Permitted.
The 11 NWC members’ letter explicitly stated that Damagum’s appointment of Musa as its legal representative was not authorized. They urged the court to ignore Musa’s representatives and reiterated that such decisions fall only within the ambit of the State Legal Counsel.
Speaking on behalf of the majority of NWC members, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, confirmed to Punch that the letter reflected the collective stance of the committee.
He stressed that the appointment of legal representatives must strictly comply with the party’s constitution.
Debate over Damagum’s tenure
Opinion remains divided on Damagum’s position as acting chair. Some NEC members, including Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor, support his continuation until December 2025, citing existing court decisions.
However, other party leaders, especially from the North-Central zone, are insisting on appointing a permanent chairman to complete the AYU’s tenure.
Former National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologunbondiyan, has maintained that the North Center zone has the right to appoint a full chairman.
He insisted that Damagum’s tenure was legal until December and accused his supporters of misinterpreting the PDP constitution.
Efforts are underway to address the vacant Deputy Vice-President (North) position left by Damagum. The party leadership has reportedly reached out to stakeholders in the North-Central region to nominate a replacement and reportedly sees this as a step towards restoring unity within the PDP .
However, Osadolor downplayed the urgency of the leadership conflict and urged members to work with Damgam until the next treaty.
He argued that long-term disagreements would only deepen divisions within the party.
It countered by insisting that the North Central Zone would not relent by pushing for a permanent chair, as outlined in the party’s constitution.
