PDP in disarray: Faction suspends Damagum, installs Mohammed as Acting Chairman

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a new turn on Friday as a faction of the National Working Committee (NWC) suspended Umar Damagum from his role as Acting National Chairman.

The faction swiftly appointed Alhaji Yayari Mohammed to take over in an acting capacity.

According to a statement from the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the decision was endorsed by the NWC, in line with the party’s amended constitution of 2017. The changes are effective immediately.

Ologunagba urged party members and stakeholders to remain focused, emphasising the importance of unity as preparations for the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for October 24th begin.

The ongoing feud within the party has intensified, with two rival factions issuing conflicting statements regarding the suspension of key NWC officers.

One faction suspended Damagun and the National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, over alleged anti-party activities, while the other faction, loyal to Damagum, retaliated by suspending the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, and Ologunagba, citing disloyalty.

A separate statement from Pastor Chinwe Nnorom, the party’s National Director of Publicity, revealed that a committee chaired by Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, has been set up to investigate the allegations.

In the meantime, Ibrahim Manga and Okechukwu Osuoha have been appointed as acting National Publicity Secretary and acting National Legal Adviser, respectively.

The investigation and power struggle continue as the PDP grapples with deepening divisions ahead of its NEC meeting.