PDP crisis deepens as Wike-backed Anyanwu faction suspends Damagum, five others

Rather than thaw, the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened.
On Saturday morning after an emergency meeting in Abuja, the National Working Committee (NWC) suspended the National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), and Deputy National Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha.
A few hours later, the Samuel Anyanwu-led faction announced the suspension of party’s substantial National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and others.
The Anyanwu faction is backed by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
At a press conference in Abuja, the Anyanwu faction suspended Damagum and five other members of NWC.
Anyanwu announced the party’s National Vice Chairman (North Central), Mohammed Abdulrahman, as the Acting National Chairman.
Also suspended by the faction was the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, for issuing statements without the party’s approval.
“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 judgement. He has been suspended for one month and should face the Disciplinary Committee.
“Secondly, we also suspended the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, for issuing statements without the party’s approval. The Deputy National Vice Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, has also been suspended.
“The National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyenguikoro, who has been involved in alleged financial misconduct, has also been suspended.
“The National Youth Leader, Sulaiman Kadade, and the Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, have also been suspended for 30 days. All of them will be sent to the Disciplinary Committee to show cause why they should not be expelled.
“Therefore, we are announcing the National Vice Chairman (North Central), Mohammed Abdulrahman, to serve as the Acting National Chairman”, Anyanwu declared.