The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened on Saturday as a faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, announced the suspension of the party’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, and five other top officials.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the faction’s spokesperson and PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, announced the decision was taken after what he described as "persistent acts of incompetence, financial misconduct, and disregard for court orders" by the suspended leaders.
According to Anyanwu, the faction had appointed the party’s National Vice Chairman (North Central), Mohammed Abdulrahman, as the Acting National Chairman pending further decisions.
"Unfortunately, some people may say that the National Secretary, National Organising Secretary who has the responsibility of monitoring everything and the National Legal Adviser, who is responsible for all legal issues, were purportedly suspended.
"On this note, we decided to suspend the National Chairman of the party, Ambassador Ilya Damagum, for incompetence, financial misconduct, and disregard for court judgment. He has been suspended for one month and should face the Disciplinary Committee," he said.
Anyanwu added that the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, was suspended "for issuing unauthorised statements," while the Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, was also placed on suspension.
Others affected include the National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyenguikoro, who was accused of financial infractions; the National Youth Leader, Sulaiman Kadade; and the Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo.
All six are expected to appear before the party’s Disciplinary Committee within 30 days.
The move, however, appears to have escalated the leadership tussle within the main opposition party.
Earlier on Saturday, the National Working Committee (NWC) loyal to Damagum had also announced the suspension of Senator Anyanwu himself, alongside the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), and two other officials.
More details to come...
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