The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified as the National Working Committee (NWC) has directed the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN, to step aside. This directive was announced in a statement issued on Thursday night, signed by Chinwe Nnorom, the party’s National Director of Publicity.

Key Developments:

  • The NWC has formed an investigation committee led by Deputy National Chairman (South) Amb. Taofeek Arapaja to look into the conduct of the suspended officers.
  • The NWC appointed Ibrahim Manga and Okechukwu Osuoha as the Acting National Publicity Secretary and Acting National Legal Adviser, respectively, effective from October 11, 2024.
  • The decision follows opposition from the suspended officers regarding the party leadership’s support for Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike in his conflict with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Factional Response:

In a swift reaction, Ologunagba and Ajibade announced the removal of acting national chairman Illiya Damagum and national secretary Samuel Anyanwu over alleged anti-party activities. This move comes amid a legal dispute involving former PDP legislators who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The faction accused Damagum and Anyanwu of violating the party’s constitution by engaging in unauthorized activities.

Additional Actions:

  • The factional NWC suspended Damagum and Anyanwu, barring them from all party meetings and activities until the investigation is concluded. They have also referred the matter to the National Disciplinary Committee.
  • Alhaji Yayari Ahmed Mohammed has been appointed as the new Acting National Chairman to lead the party during this tumultuous period.

Call for Unity:

As tensions rise, the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT), led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, has urged all factions to prioritize unity and revert to the previous leadership structure to stabilize the party. They pledged to mediate the conflict and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace within the PDP as it approaches its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on October 24, 2024.

This ongoing struggle highlights the internal divisions and governance issues facing Nigeria’s main opposition party as it prepares for future electoral challenges

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