The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened as new divisions have surfaced within its leadership.
A faction reportedly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, announced the suspension of the party’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and five other members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the PDP National Secretary, said the factional NWC had appointed Mohammed Abdulrahman, the party’s National Vice Chairman (North Central), as the new Acting National Chairman.
Anyanwu stated “Unfortunately, some may claim that the National Secretary, National Organising Secretary who oversees all party activities and the National Legal Adviser responsible for legal matters have been suspended.
However, we have resolved to suspend the National Chairman, Ambassador Ilya Damagum, for incompetence, financial misconduct, and disregard for court orders.
His suspension will last one month, during which he must appear before the Disciplinary Committee.”
He added that the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, was suspended for “unauthorised public statements,” while Deputy National Vice Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, and National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyenguikoro, were accused of financial misconduct and also suspended.
According to him, National Youth Leader, Sulaiman Kadade, and Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, were suspended for 30 days pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings.
“All suspended members have been referred to the Disciplinary Committee to show cause why they should not be expelled,” Anyanwu declared.
Meanwhile, earlier on Saturday, the Damagum-led NWC announced the suspension of Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), and two other members intensifying the leadership tussle within the party.
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