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Politics

PDP Crisis Deepens As 11 NWC Members Move Against Damagum, Anyanwu

PDP

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues to grapple with internal conflict, as 11 members of its National Working Committee (NWC) have called for the removal of Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu.

Naijaonpoint reports that this development is linked to ongoing legal disputes over the party’s secretary position.

The NWC members argue that Damagum should step aside to allow the emergence of a new chairman.

They also insist on Anyanwu’s replacement, citing his candidacy for the Imo State governorship election as grounds for relinquishing the National Secretary role.

In a letter dated January 21, addressed to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and the President of the Court of Appeal, the NWC members expressed their disapproval of Damagum’s unilateral appointment of Dr. J.Y. Musa, SAN, as the party’s legal representative in an appeal case. They emphasized that, under Article 42 of the PDP constitution, only the National Legal Adviser has the authority to appoint external solicitors.

The letter, signed by prominent party officials including Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, was received by the Supreme Court on January 24 and the Court of Appeal on January 23.

The PDP’s leadership crisis has persisted since Damagum took over as acting chairman following the court-ordered removal of former chairman Iyorchia Ayu. Critics accuse Damagum of failing to resolve the party’s issues, further diminishing its influence.

Efforts to resolve the dispute over the National Secretary position have also faced setbacks.

Although the Appeal Court in Enugu confirmed Sunday Ude-Okoye as the new National Secretary in December 2024, a subsequent restraining order from the Abuja Court of Appeal allowed Anyanwu to retain the role until the Supreme Court delivers a final verdict.

The 11 NWC members’ letter explicitly stated that Damagum’s appointment of Musa as legal representative was unauthorized. They urged the courts to disregard Musa’s representation, reiterating that such decisions fall solely within the purview of the National Legal Adviser.

PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, speaking on behalf of the majority of NWC members, confirmed to The PUNCH that the letter reflected the committee’s collective stance.

He emphasized that appointing legal representatives must strictly follow the party’s constitution.

Debate Over Damagum’s Tenure

Opinions remain divided over Damagum’s position as acting chairman. Some NEC members, including Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor, support his continuation until December 2025, citing existing court rulings.

However, other party leaders, particularly from the North-Central zone, insist on nominating a permanent chairman to complete Ayu’s tenure.

Former National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan argued that the North-Central zone is entitled to nominate a full chairman.

He dismissed claims that Damagum’s tenure until December was lawful, accusing his supporters of misinterpreting the PDP constitution.

Efforts are underway to address the vacant Deputy National Chairman (North) position left by Damagum. Party leaders have reportedly reached out to North-Central stakeholders to nominate a replacement, viewing this as a step toward restoring unity within the PDP.

Osadolor, however, downplayed the urgency of the leadership dispute, urging members to work with Damagum until the next convention.

He argued that prolonged disagreements would only deepen divisions within the party.

Ologbondiyan countered by insisting that the North-Central zone would not relent in its push for a permanent chairman, as outlined in the party’s constitution.

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