The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faces a severe internal crisis as the National Working Committee (NWC) suspends Acting National Chairman, Amb Umar Damagum, and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu. According to a 9am News report, the NWC accused both officials of engaging in anti-party activities, prompting their suspension.
The suspension came during an emergency meeting convened by the NWC, which concluded early on Friday, with most members in attendance. The party’s national publicity secretary, Debo Ologunagba, confirmed the development, issuing a statement at 3:18 a.m., outlining the NWC’s decision.
According to the statement, the NWC had thoroughly reviewed a series of complaints raised against Damagum and Anyanwu. The complaints primarily stemmed from a letter addressed by the two officials to the Court of Appeal, challenging the PDP’s position in a case involving 27 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. These members had vacated their seats after defecting from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), sparking controversy within the party.
“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,” the statement read. It further noted that the NWC acted in accordance with Sections 57, 58, and 59 of the PDP Constitution, ultimately suspending Damagum and Anyanwu from their respective positions and referring them to the party’s National Disciplinary Committee for further investigation.
While the investigation is ongoing, the NWC has prohibited the suspended officials from participating in any meetings, activities, or programs of the committee until the conclusion of the disciplinary process.
BoT Summons and Party Unity Efforts
In light of this crisis, the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) has called on all party members to cooperate with the disciplinary process. Senator Adolphus Wabara, chairman of the BoT, emphasized the importance of party discipline and urged all members to comply with any summons they may receive from the disciplinary committee.
During the BoT’s 78th meeting, Senator Wabara also urged the PDP NWC to ensure that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, scheduled for October 24, proceeds as planned. This meeting is expected to be a crucial opportunity for the party to address the current challenges and foster unity among its members.
The ongoing suspension of two top officials has thrown the PDP into a period of uncertainty, as the party grapples with internal divisions and external pressures. As the crisis deepens, all eyes are now on the party’s disciplinary committee and upcoming NEC meeting, which could determine the future direction of one of Nigeria’s major political parties.
Finally, Stay tuned to 9am News Nigeria for more Breaking News, Finance News, Sports updates And Entertainment Gists.
