The Nigeria’s main opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has fractured into open factions, with rival groups within its National Working Committee (NWC) issuing suspensions of top officials just hours apart. The crisis, triggered by a Federal High Court ruling that blocked the party’s planned national convention, has raised concerns about further disarray ahead of crucial 2027 election preparations.
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The first move came early Saturday during an emergency NWC meeting at the party’s Legacy House headquarters in Maitama, Abuja. Led by Acting National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum, the committee invoked Sections 58 and 59 of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) to suspend four senior officers for one month over allegations of “anti-party activities.” Those targeted include:
- Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary
- Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), National Legal Adviser
- Okechukwu Osuoha, Deputy National Legal Adviser
- Umaru Bature, National Organizing Secretary
National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba informed journalists that the suspended officials had been referred to the party’s National Disciplinary Committee for further investigation. “During this period of suspension, they cease to function in their respective capacities,” Ologunagba emphasized.
To fill the leadership vacuum, Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo was appointed Acting National Secretary under Section 36(2) of the constitution, while the National Director of Legal Services was tasked with overseeing the legal department.
The suspensions appear linked to the court’s intervention earlier in the week, which restrained the PDP from proceeding with its national convention amid disputes over delegate lists and zoning formulas. Insiders suggest the affected officials were accused of mishandling legal strategies that contributed to the judicial setback, though the party has not publicly detailed the “anti-party” charges.
The response was swift and forceful. Later Saturday, a rival faction aligned with Anyanwu – reportedly supported by influential figures including Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike – held its own press conference in retaliation. Anyanwu, defying his suspension, announced the ouster of Damagum and several allies, accusing them of incompetence, financial misconduct, and ignoring court orders.
The counter-suspensions, also for one month (with some for 30 days), targeted:
| Official | Position | Reason for Suspension |
|---|---|---|
| Umar Iliya Damagum | Acting National Chairman | Incompetence, financial misconduct, disregard for court judgment |
| Debo Ologunagba | National Publicity Secretary | Issuing unauthorized statements |
| Taofeek Arapaja | Deputy National Vice Chairman (South) | Not specified |
| Daniel Woyenguikoro | National Financial Secretary | Alleged financial misconduct |
| Sulaiman Kadade | National Youth Leader | Not specified; 30-day term |
| Setonji Koshoedo | Deputy National Secretary | Not specified; 30-day term |
All were ordered to appear before the Disciplinary Committee to defend against potential expulsion. In a bold move, the faction elevated National Vice Chairman (North Central) Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman.
The showdown underlines deepening fissures within the PDP, fueled by power struggles between pro-Wike elements (favoring southern leadership) and Damagum’s camp (seen as a compromise figure from the north). The halted convention was intended to elect a substantive national chairman and other executives, but legal battles including suits over zoning and alleged irregularities have stalled progress.
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