PDP NWC Suspends National Chairman and Secretary Amid Crisis

iexclusivenews – The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified as the National Working Committee (NWC) has suspended the party’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, for alleged anti-party activities.

This decision was made during an emergency meeting held by the majority of PDP NWC members, which concluded in the early hours of Friday.

The PDP NWC’s decision to suspend the two national officers was confirmed by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in a statement issued at 3:18 a.m. The statement highlighted the series of complaints raised against Damagum and Anyanwu, particularly concerning a letter they addressed to the Court of Appeal.

This letter opposed the party’s position in a case involving 27 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who had vacated their seats after defecting from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

PDP NWC Allegations

The PDP NWC condemned the actions of the Acting National Chairman and the National Secretary, describing them as gross violations of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) and their Oath of Office.

The statement read, “The National Working Committee, NWC, of the PDP has extensively considered the series of complaints raised against the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Illiya Damagum and National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, particularly with regard to the letter addressed by them to the Court of Appeal in Appeal against the Party’s position in the case involving the 27 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who vacated their seats upon decamping from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress, APC.”

In response to these allegations, the PDP NWC, pursuant to Sections 57, 58, and 59 of the PDP Constitution, has suspended Damagum and Anyanwu from their respective positions.

The statement continued, “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, and referred them to the National Disciplinary Committee for further action.”

During the suspension, both officials are barred from participating in all meetings, activities, and programs of the NWC pending the conclusion of the investigation by the National Disciplinary Committee.

BoT’s Role and Upcoming NEC Meeting

The party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) has also played a significant role in addressing the ongoing crisis. The BoT had earlier urged all party members to appear before the party’s disciplinary committee if summoned.

Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the BoT, emphasized the importance of this process during the 78th meeting of the board. He urged the PDP NWC to expedite action and ensure that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meets as scheduled on October 24.

The suspension of the Acting National Chairman and Secretary marks a critical juncture in the PDP’s ongoing crisis. The allegations of anti-party activities and the subsequent disciplinary actions underscore the internal conflicts and challenges facing the party.

As the investigation proceeds, the PDP must navigate these turbulent waters to restore unity and stability within its ranks.

Navigating the Crisis

The PDP NWC’s decision to suspend Damagum and Anyanwu reflects the party’s commitment to addressing internal conflicts and upholding its constitution. The outcome of the investigation by the National Disciplinary Committee will be crucial in determining the future direction of the party.

As the PDP grapples with these challenges, the role of the BoT and the upcoming NEC meeting will be pivotal in shaping the party’s path forward.

The unfolding events within the PDP highlight the complexities of political party management and the importance of adhering to constitutional principles. The party’s ability to resolve this crisis will have significant implications for its future and its role in Nigeria’s political landscape.