The internal crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a new turn on Friday when a faction of the National Working Committee (NWC) suspended Umar Damagum from his role as acting national chairman.
The faction quickly appointed Alhaji Yayari Mohammed to take over in an interim capacity.
According to a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, the decision was adopted by the NWC in line with the party’s amended constitution of 2017. The changes take effect immediately.
Ologunagba urged party members and stakeholders to remain focused, stressing the importance of unity as they begin preparations for the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for October 24 . The ongoing infighting in the party has intensified, with two rival factions issuing conflicting statements regarding the suspension of top NWC leaders.
One faction suspended Damagumi and the national secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, for alleged anti-party activities, while the other faction, loyal to Damagumi, resumed by suspending the national legal counsel, Kamaldeen Ajibade, and Ologunagba, citing disloyalty .
A separate statement by Pastor Chinwe Nnorom, the party’s National Director of Publicity, revealed that a committee chaired by the National Vice President (South), Taofeek Arapaja, has been set up to investigate the allegations.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Manga and Okechukwu Osuoha have been appointed National Publicity Secretary and National Legal Adviser respectively.
The investigation and power struggle continue as the PDP faces deeper divisions ahead of its NEC meeting.
About Author
