In a significant turn of events within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), members of the National Working Committee (NWC) have suspended Acting National Chairman Amb. Umar Damagum and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu over alleged anti-party activities amid a political crisis in Rivers State. This decision was reached during an emergency meeting of the NWC that concluded in the early hours of yesterday.
The escalating tension follows Damagum’s recent suspension of National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade. Both officials had been vocal in urging adherence to the party’s constitution. Their suspension has intensified the ongoing strife within the party, as factions vie for control amid the political chaos in Rivers State.
In a dramatic twist, Damagum and Anyanwu secured a court judgment restraining the PDP from suspending them. A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, ruled that the PDP must not interfere with their offices until the current executive committee’s term concludes in December 2025.
In contrast, House of Representatives member Ugo Chinyere praised the suspension of Damagum and Anyanwu, calling it an appropriate action. Meanwhile, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose commented on the unfolding drama, encouraging Nigerians to observe the situation closely, describing the events as an “exciting drama” worthy of attention.
Background on Suspensions
The internal turmoil intensified following a statement from the National Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom, who announced the suspensions of Ologunagba and Ajibade pending an investigation into serious allegations against them. A committee chaired by Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja has been formed to probe these allegations.
In a counter-response, Ologunagba announced the suspension of both Damagum and Anyanwu early yesterday morning, citing complaints about their conduct in a court case related to the 27 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Ologunagba labeled this action as a significant anti-party activity, violating the PDP Constitution and the officials’ Oath of Office.
In a statement, he emphasized that the NWC, in accordance with Sections 57, 58, and 59 of the PDP Constitution, decided to suspend Damagum and Anyanwu, referring them to the National Disciplinary Committee for further investigation.
As the situation continues to unfold, observers are left to ponder the implications of this internal strife on the PDP’s stability and future electoral prospects.