By Our Reporter
The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened on Saturday after the National Working Committee (NWC) suspended four top officials, prompting an immediate counter-suspension from a faction within the party.
At an emergency meeting in Abuja, the NWC announced a one-month suspension of National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), and Deputy National Legal Adviser Okechukwu Osuoha.
National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba said the action, taken under Sections 58 and 59 of the PDP Constitution, was due to alleged misconduct and breaches of party rules. The affected officers were also referred to the party’s disciplinary committee.
During the suspension period, Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo will serve as Acting National Secretary, while the National Director of Legal Services will oversee the legal department.
However, in a swift reaction, a faction loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, led by Senator Anyanwu, announced the suspension of Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and five other NWC members.
Anyanwu, addressing journalists in Abuja, accused Damagum of incompetence, financial mismanagement, and disobedience to court rulings. He also faulted the recognition of a previously expelled South-East Zonal Chairman, saying it invalidated recent NWC meetings.
The faction further suspended Ologunagba, Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, National Financial Secretary Daniel Woyengikuro, National Youth Leader Mohammed Kadende, and Deputy National Secretary Koshoedo.
Anyanwu announced that the National Vice-Chairman (North Central), Mohammed Abdulrahman, would serve as Acting National Chairman, while the party’s Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom, would handle communication duties.
The development follows a recent court ruling halting the party’s planned November 15 national elective convention, further worsening uncertainty over the PDP’s leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.