PDP Crisis Deepens as Factions Suspend Top Party Officials in Test of Power

The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a new turn as two factions engage in a test of strength through suspensions.

The camp led by Acting National Chairman Illiya Damagum suspended National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN. A committee, chaired by Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, was formed to “investigate the issues raised against the officers in compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Party.”

In response, Ologunagba’s camp announced the suspension of Damagum and National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, citing their involvement in a letter to the Court of Appeal. “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,” said the faction.

“Consequently, the NWC, pursuant to Sections 57, 58 and 59 of the PDP Constitution, has suspended Amb. Illiya Damagum and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Chairman and National Secretary of the Party, respectively,” the statement added.

The party’s Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has called for unity amidst the escalating power struggle.