PDP Crisis Deepens: National Chairman, Secretary Suspended

*PDP Crisis Deepens: National Chairman, Secretary Suspended*

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended its National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, over alleged anti-party activities ¹. This decision was made public by the party's National Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom, following the National Working Committee's (NWC) 593rd meeting on Thursday ¹ ².

*Reasons Behind the Suspension*

The suspension is linked to a letter Damagum and Anyanwu addressed to the Court of Appeal in Appeal No:CA/PH/307/2024, which went against the party's position in a case involving 27 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ¹. The NWC condemned this action as a gross violation of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) and their Oath of Office ¹.

*Investigation and Disciplinary Action*

The NWC has constituted a committee, chaired by Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate the issues raised against Damagum and Anyanwu ¹. The duo has been referred to the National Disciplinary Committee for further action ¹. Additionally, the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, were earlier directed to step aside pending an investigation into allegations against them ¹ ².

*Internal Power Struggle*

This development is seen as part of an internal power struggle within the PDP, with factions loyal to different leaders ². The crisis may have far-reaching implications for the party's leadership structure and its ability to present a united front in future elections.

*What's Next?*

As the PDP navigates this crisis, it remains to be seen how the suspended officials will respond and what impact this will have on the party's overall performance. One thing is certain - the PDP's internal dynamics will continue to shape Nigerian politics in the days to come.