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PDP Leadership Crisis Deepens: Factional Divide Rocks National Working Committee

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Oct 11, 2024
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PDP Leadership Crisis Deepens: Factional Divide Rocks National Working Committee

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing an escalating leadership crisis, with a deepening divide within its National Working Committee (NWC). The party's National Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom, announced the development in a statement released early Friday morning.

At the center of the crisis is the suspension of National Publicity Secretary, Hon Debo Ologunagba, and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, by the NWC. The decision was made during the NWC's 593rd meeting on Thursday, October 10, 2024. The NWC has constituted a committee, led by Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate the issues raised against the officers in compliance with the party's Constitution.

The suspended officers have been directed to step aside pending the conclusion of the investigation. Consequently, Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga and Okechukwu Osuoha have been appointed as Acting National Publicity Secretary and Acting National Legal Adviser, respectively.

In response to the suspension, the faction led by Ajibade has suspended Acting National Chairman, Amb. Illiya Damagum, and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, over allegations of disloyalty to the party. Ologunagba issued a statement declaring that both Damagum and Anyanwu would be suspended from their positions, citing their involvement in anti-party activities.

Specifically, the suspension stems from a letter addressed by Damagum and Anyanwu to the Court of Appeal in Appeal No:CA/PH/307/2024, which allegedly contravenes the party's position in the case involving 27 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The NWC condemned this action as a gross violation of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) and the oath of office. Damagum and Anyanwu have been referred to the National Disciplinary Committee for further action.

As the crisis unfolds, concerns are mounting about the party's unity and ability to effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). PDP leaders and stakeholders are urged to remain focused and committed to the party's greater good.

The development has sparked reactions from various quarters, with many calling for urgent reconciliation efforts to prevent further fragmentation. The PDP's internal conflict has significant implications for Nigeria's political landscape, particularly ahead of upcoming elections.

The party's National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, has been silent on the matter, fueling speculation about his stance on the crisis. Meanwhile, the APC has capitalized on the PDP's internal divisions, accusing the opposition party of lacking the cohesion needed to govern effectively.

As Nigeria's main opposition party struggles to resolve its leadership crisis, the nation watches with bated breath, awaiting a resolution that will determine the course of the country's political future.