The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues to deepen as internal conflicts show no sign of resolution.
In the latest development, a faction of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) has suspended the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, over allegations of disloyalty to the party.
This move comes after a separate faction of the NWC, believed to be loyal to Damagum, previously suspended the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, and the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, citing similar charges of disloyalty.
The rapid escalation of internal disputes has further fragmented the party, with both factions trading accusations and suspensions in an ongoing power struggle.
In a dramatic turn of events, Ologunagba issued a statement on Friday announcing that Damagum and Anyanwu had been suspended by the NWC. His statement read:
“The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP has thoroughly considered a series of serious complaints brought against the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Illiya Damagum, and the National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu.
These complaints, particularly concerning the letter they sent to the Court of Appeal in case No: CA/PH/307/2024, contradict the party’s official stance on the matter involving the 27 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who left their positions after defecting from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The statement went on to condemn what it described as “anti-party activities” committed by both the Acting National Chairman and the National Secretary, accusing them of gross violations of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) and a breach of their Oath of Office. The NWC, invoking its powers under Sections 57, 58, and 59 of the PDP Constitution, decided to suspend Damagum and Anyanwu from their respective roles.
The case has now been referred to the party’s National Disciplinary Committee for further review and appropriate action.This internal discord highlights the intensifying struggle for control within the PDP, a party that has faced a series of challenges in recent years.
The suspension of high-ranking officials points to deeper divisions within the party’s leadership, with accusations of betrayal and disloyalty taking center stage.
The ongoing rift has the potential to significantly weaken the party, especially as it prepares for future elections and seeks to restore its standing in the national political landscape.
The actions of both factions suggest a fierce competition for dominance, and unless the party leadership can find a way to resolve these disputes, the internal strife could lead to further instability within the PDP.
The suspensions mark a critical juncture for the party, as it struggles to maintain unity and restore public confidence in its leadership amidst a backdrop of increasing internal turmoil.
