A faction in the opposition party loyal to the embattled national secretary hits back, names a new chairman
The leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) worsened on Saturday as the National Working Committee (NWC) suspended four top officials of the party, including the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
In a swift reaction, a faction loyal to the suspended national secretary struck back with its own round of suspensions, including that of the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.
These actions come barely 24 hours after a Federal High Court in Abuja halted the party’s planned November 15 national convention, indeed deepening internal divisions within the main opposition party.
NWC Suspends Anyanwu, Others
The PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, who announced the suspension after an emergency NWC meeting in Abuja, said the decision followed alleged breaches of the party’s constitution.
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Those affected include Senator Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary), Umar Bature (National Organising Secretary), Kamaldeen Ajibade (National Legal Adviser), and Okechukwu Osuoha (Deputy National Legal Adviser).
According to Ologunagba, the action was taken under Sections 58 and 59 of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017). The officials, he said, were suspended for one month and referred to the party’s Disciplinary Committee.
“During this period of suspension, they cease to function in their respective capacities,” he said.
He added that in line with the constitution, Deputy National Secretary Hon. Setonji Koshoedo would act as National Secretary, while the National Director of Legal Services would oversee the legal department.
Anyanwu’s Faction Suspends Damagum, Ologunagba, Others
However, the drama took a new twist when Senator Anyanwu, who was among those suspended, addressed journalists later in the day, announcing the suspension of Damagum and five other NWC members.
The faction, which appears to have the backing of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, accused Damagum of incompetence, financial mismanagement, and disobedience to court orders.
Anyanwu said the decision followed an emergency meeting of his faction of the NWC, stressing that it was necessary to restore order in the party.
“We commend the judiciary for the judgment of yesterday, which is a victory against impunity and illegality,” he said. “Some members have acted in ways that promote disunity and weaken the party. It has become necessary to check these tendencies.”
He alleged that Damagum had continued to recognise a South-East zonal chairman expelled by the party, despite a subsisting court judgment, thereby invalidating meetings held in his presence.
“So, on that note, we decided that we should suspend him for one month,” Anyanwu declared.
More Suspensions Announced
The faction also suspended the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, for what it described as “frequent unauthorised press statements” that had disrupted the party’s communication structure.
Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, was suspended for allegedly failing to caution the Acting National Chairman.
Other officials affected include National Financial Secretary Daniel Woyengikuro, accused of diverting funds from the sale of nomination forms; National Youth Leader Mohammed Kadende, accused of neglecting the youth wing; and Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo, who was accused of assuming the duties of National Secretary without authority.
“All of them are sent to the Disciplinary Committee to show cause why they should not be expelled from the party,” Anyanwu said.
New Acting Chairman Named
To fill the leadership gap, Anyanwu’s faction appointed the National Vice-Chairman (North Central), Mohammed Abdulrahman, as Acting National Chairman. The party’s Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom, was also directed to handle media matters pending further notice.
He disclosed that the National Legal Adviser, who joined the meeting virtually from Canada, endorsed the decisions.
Despite the multiple suspensions, Anyanwu insisted that the PDP remained strong and united.
“As a matter of fact, we are strong as a party. We are united,” he said confidently.
The latest wave of suspensions has thrown the PDP into further turmoil, leaving members uncertain about who holds legitimate authority within the NWC.
Political observers believe the crisis, if not swiftly resolved, could weaken the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
For now, the opposition party that once prided itself as “Africa’s largest political party” appears locked in another bitter internal struggle, one that could determine its future relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
