Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has plunged deeper into crisis as internal factions within its National Working Committee (NWC) moved against each other in a dramatic power struggle.
A faction loyal to the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, announced on Saturday the suspension of Acting National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum, and several top officials of the NWC, citing alleged incompetence, financial impropriety, and disregard for party rules.
The move, which threatens to split the PDP’s leadership ahead of its planned national convention, was made public at a press briefing in Abuja.
Suspensions and Replacements
According to a statement issued by the Anyanwu-led faction, the group suspended the following top party officials:
Umar Damagum – Acting National Chairman
Debo Ologunagba – National Publicity Secretary
Taofeek Arapaja – Deputy National Chairman (South)
Daniel Woyenguikoro – National Financial Secretary
Sulaiman Kadade – National Youth Leader
Setonji Koshoedo – Deputy National Secretary
The faction also announced Mohammed Abdulrahman, the PDP National Vice Chairman (North Central), as Acting National Chairman pending the outcome of investigations by the party’s disciplinary committee.
(Sources: Vanguard, TheCable, Punch)
A Party Divided
The latest development follows the earlier suspension of Anyanwu himself by the Damagum-led NWC, which accused him and some allies of anti-party activities. In what many now see as a retaliatory move, the Anyanwu faction turned the tables, accusing Damagum of violating internal party rules and acting against the interest of the PDP.
Political observers say the power tussle reflects a deeper ideological and regional split within the opposition, reportedly between camps aligned with former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and those loyal to other party leaders seeking to reclaim the PDP’s national dominance.
Legal and Political Implications
The crisis comes at a delicate time for the PDP, with a Federal High Court order already halting the party’s planned national convention pending the resolution of leadership and congress disputes. Legal experts warn that the emergence of parallel factions could threaten the PDP’s ability to present a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Party insiders told TheCable that both camps are preparing for a legal showdown over who has constitutional authority to lead the PDP. There are also reports that each faction is planning to convene its own meetings to assert legitimacy over party structures and finances.
Analysts React
Political analysts view the development as a significant blow to the PDP’s efforts at rebuilding its credibility as Nigeria’s main opposition.
“This is not just a leadership squabble — it’s a battle for the party’s soul,” said political commentator Jide Ojo. “If this continues, it could leave the PDP too divided to mount a credible challenge in 2027.”
