The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has descended into a full-blown leadership crisis after two rival factions of its National Working Committee (NWC) issued suspensions against each other on Saturday, deepening internal turmoil less than two years before the 2027 general election.
The confusion began after an emergency NWC meeting in Abuja, where a faction led by the National Chairman, Amb. Illiya Damagum, announced the suspension of four top national officers. However, in a swift counteraction, the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, convened a separate meeting hours later and declared the suspension of Damagum himself and several other NWC members.
Addressing journalists after the first meeting, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the suspended officials — including Anyanwu — were sanctioned in line with Sections 58 and 59 of the party’s Constitution. He added that the officers would step aside for one month pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings.
In reaction, Anyanwu described the earlier meeting as “illegal and stage-managed,” accusing some NWC members of anti-party conduct and misuse of power. His faction then announced a one-month suspension of Damagum, citing incompetence, financial mismanagement, and disregard for court orders.
Anyanwu also announced the suspension of Ologunagba, Deputy National Chairman (South) Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, National Financial Secretary Daniel Woyengikuro, National Youth Leader Mohammed Kadende, and Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo, sending all six to the party’s Disciplinary Committee.
Despite the escalating crisis, Anyanwu maintained that the PDP remains “strong and united,” insisting that his actions were aimed at restoring discipline and transparency within the party.
The counter-suspensions have sparked renewed fears about the opposition party’s stability, as the PDP continues to struggle with internal divisions and leadership disputes that could weaken its chances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
