The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a dangerous twist as factions in the party National Working Committee (NWC) rose up against each other.
The the faction aligned with the Acting National Chairman, Amb Umar Damagum suspended the Spokesman and National Legal Adviser, Hon. Debo Ologunagba and Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade respectively, the faction aligned with Ologunagba suspended Damagum and the party National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu.
Damagum faction, in a statement by the party National Director of Publicty, Chinwe I. Nnorom said, “the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) arising from its 593rd Meeting today, Thurday, October 10, 2024, has directed the National Publicity Secretary (NPS), Hon Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser (NLA), Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN, to step aside, respectively.
“As a result, the NWC constituted a committee to be chaired by the Deputy National Chairman (South) H.E. Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate the issues raised against the officers in compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Party.
“Following the NWC’s Decision, it directed their respective deputies (DNPS and DNLA) to assume office in acting capacity with effect from Friday, October 11, 2014, pending the conclusion of investigation by the Committee. The officers are: Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga, Esq, Acting National Publicity Secretary and Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha, Acting National Legal Adviser
“The NWC enjoins all leaders, critical stakeholders, teeming members and supporters of our great Party to remain focused and committed as it pilots the day-to-day affairs of the PDP for its greater good.”
Ologunagba, in a statement said: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP has extensively considered the series of complaints raised against the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Illiya Damagum and National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu particularly with regard to the letter addressed by them to the Court of Appeal in Appeal No:CA/PH/307/2024 against the Party’s position in the case involving the 27 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who vacated their seats upon decamping from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The NWC condemned this anti-party activity of the Acting National Chairman and the National Secretary which is in gross violation of the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) and their Oath of Office.
“Consequently, the NWC, pursuant to Sections 57, 58 and 59 of the PDP Constitution, has suspended Amb. Illiya Damagum and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Chairman and National Secretary of the Party respectively and referred them to the National Disciplinary Committee for further action.
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“In the meantime, the two officials are suspended from all meetings, activities and programs of the NWC pending the conclusion of investigation by the National Disciplinary Committee.”
Abdullahi, who took over in Acting capacity as the spokesman of the party, in a statement said, “arising from its 593rd meeting,10th October,2024,the National Working Committee has suspended the National Publicity Secretary and the National Legal Adviser of the Party, pending the determination of allegations of DISLOYALTY and INSUBORDINATION levelled against the duo
“In the meantime, the Deputies in the respective DIRECTORATES, Ibrahim Abdullahi and Barr Okechukwu Osuoha, have stepped-in in acting capacity.”
Meanwhile, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, has expressed joy over the suspension of Damagum, saying the suspension will reform the party.
Calling on the North Central Zone of the party to present acting Chairman, Ugochinyere said, “jubilation, celebration over suspension of PDP Acting Chairman, Umar Damagum and few others.
“Opposition lawmakers coalition spokesman, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere backs NWC suspension of Damagum as PDP Acting Chairman.”
Ugochinyere said: “PDP is on the path that will lead to reformation. North Central should meet immediately to present Acting Chairman before next NEC meeting.”
He called on PDP Governors and stakeholders to meet “to stop former Chairman, who is an All Progressives Congress (APC) agent along side their pro-Wike APC group from further destruction of the party.”
Ugochinyere warned against attempt by suspended PDP Chairman, Damagum to suspend PDP Legal Adviser, Publicity Secretary, describing it as an Act of political foolishness by a Pro-Wike APC agent that is dead on arrival
