The PDP crisis has taken a dramatic new twist as a faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, suspended the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and five other members of the National Working Committee (NWC). The decision, announced on Saturday in Abuja, further exposes the growing division threatening Nigeria’s main opposition party.
(Learn more about the PDP’s leadership history on Wikipedia.)
Faction Names New Acting Chairman Amid PDP Crisis
Addressing journalists, PDP National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu said the faction had appointed Mohammed Abdulrahman, the party’s National Vice Chairman (North Central), as the Acting National Chairman. According to him, the move was necessary to protect the PDP’s constitution and restore discipline.
Wike Camp Explains Suspension of Damagum and Others
Anyanwu said Umar Damagum was suspended for incompetence, financial misconduct, and disregard for court orders. He added that Damagum will face the party’s Disciplinary Committee within one month.
The faction also suspended five other top NWC officials for alleged misconduct, deepening the PDP crisis even further.
Faction Rejects Earlier Suspension, Defends Legitimacy
Furthermore, Anyanwu rejected his earlier suspension by Damagum’s camp, calling it illegal and politically motivated. He insisted his group remains the authentic leadership of the PDP and vowed to restore internal democracy. Consequently, the faction insists that all affected officers remain suspended until investigations are concluded.
Background: PDP Power Tussle Escalates
Earlier, the Damagum-led NWC also suspended Samuel Anyanwu, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), and two other members. That action triggered a chain of retaliatory suspensions and public statements, pushing the PDP crisis to new heights. Analysts fear the party’s deepening division could weaken its influence ahead of future elections.
Conclusion
In summary, the PDP crisis shows no sign of slowing down as rival factions continue to battle for control.
Unless the leadership finds common ground soon, the opposition party risks losing unity and relevance before the next general elections.
