“Anti-Party Activities” — PDP Plunges Into Chaos As Damagum And Pro-Wike Factions Trade Suspensions Following Court-Halted National Convention

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.

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:

[pdf-embedder url=”https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/𝐏𝐃𝐏-𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.pdf” title=”𝐏𝐃𝐏 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧”]

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.

Follow Our WhatsApp Channel _______________________________________________________________________

“Order Your Copy Now” — Basil Momodu, Esq. Unveils Second Edition Of His Book, "Civil Procedure In Nigeria"

According to the learned author, Basil Momodu Esq. "Law review is a continuum. We will continue to track changes in the law to enrich future editions." Recommended Booksellers: Lagos: 08033855230, Abuja: 08035991379, and others. _______________________________________________________________________

[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials

Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation

______________________________________________________________________ “Bridging Theory And Courtroom Practice” — Hagler Sunny Okorie, Nathaniel Ngozi Ikeocha Unveil ‘Functional’ Tort Law Book For Nigerian Legal System The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209. ______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence

Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via: 0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888 Website: www.alexandernigeria.com

_______________________________________________________________________ Groundbreaking Guide For Lawyers: Adigwe Publishes ‘Artificial Intelligence For Lawyers’ With Free Research eBook As an added bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE ebook titled: “AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion: A Research Guide.” Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating: "....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic." How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626