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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently embroiled in an intense internal crisis, marked by a series of suspensions and counter-suspensions at the highest levels of its leadership. The unfolding drama has seen top party officials engaging in a power struggle, which has further deepened divisions within the party.
The conflict began when members of the National Working Committee (NWC) moved to suspend the party’s Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, and Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, citing their involvement in alleged anti-party activities and their role in the political turmoil in Rivers State. This decision was reportedly reached during an emergency NWC meeting that concluded in the early hours of Friday.
In response, Damagum suspended the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, both of whom had been advocating for stricter adherence to the party’s constitution in day-to-day operations. The situation took another twist when Damagum and Anyanwu obtained a court injunction preventing the party from removing them from office.
The ruling, handed down by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, restrained the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) from interfering with Damagum and Anyanwu’s positions until the current executive committee’s tenure ends in December 2025.
Despite the court’s ruling, tensions continue to simmer. A faction within the party, including members of the NWC, suspended Damagum and Anyanwu for what they called “grave anti-party activities,” relating to their alleged contradictory actions in a legal case involving former Rivers State lawmakers who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ologunagba issued a statement accusing Damagum and Anyanwu of violating the party’s constitution and referred them to the National Disciplinary Committee. This action has left both men temporarily suspended from participating in any NWC activities.
On the legal front, the Federal High Court ruled that Damagum could only be removed through a national convention, scheduled for December 2025. The court emphasized that any premature attempt to oust him would violate the party’s constitution, which mandates a structured rotation of leadership between the northern and southern regions.
As the party’s leadership factions return to their respective trenches, ahead of an October 24 meeting of PDP leaders, the escalating conflict threatens to destabilize the party. Some observers, including former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, have described the unfolding crisis as an “exciting drama.” However, the stakes are high, as this infighting could damage the PDP’s prospects of challenging the ruling APC in the 2027 elections if left unresolved.
