The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been thrown into its deepest leadership crisis in recent years, as two rival factions within the National Working Committee (NWC) suspended each other in a dramatic power struggle that has left the main opposition party in disarray — less than two years to the 2027 general election.
The crisis, which unfolded yesterday, Saturday in Abuja, began after an emergency meeting convened by one faction of the NWC, where four senior national officers were suspended for alleged misconduct and violation of the party’s constitution. But in a swift counteraction, another faction led by the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, convened a separate meeting hours later and announced the suspension of the National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, alongside five other top officials.
Damagum Faction Suspends Four Top Officers
Briefing journalists after the initial meeting, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, announced that the suspensions were made in accordance with Sections 58 and 59 of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).
According to him, the affected officers are: Senator Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary), Hon. Umar Bature (National Organising Secretary), Barr. Kamaldeen Ajibade (National Legal Adviser), and Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha (Deputy National Legal Adviser).
“The officers were suspended for a period of one month and referred to the National Disciplinary Committee for further action,” Ologunagba explained.
He further stated that the suspended officers must vacate their offices during the period of the suspension.
“During the suspension, the affected officers cease to function in their respective capacities,” he added.
The faction immediately announced interim replacements. Deputy National Secretary, Hon. Arc. Setonji Koshoedo, was directed to act as National Secretary, while the National Director of Legal Services was appointed to oversee the Legal Department.
“In the case of the National Secretary, pursuant to Section 36(2) of the PDP Constitution, the Deputy National Secretary, Hon. Arc. Setonji Koshoedo, shall act as the National Secretary,” Ologunagba stated.
Counterattack: Anyanwu Faction Suspends Damagum, Ologunagba, Others
In a swift and fierce counter move, Senator Anyanwu addressed the media later in the day, dismissing the earlier NWC meeting as “illegal and unconstitutional.” He accused some party leaders of engaging in impunity, financial misconduct, and actions capable of destroying the PDP ahead of the 2027 polls.
Anyanwu, who claimed to have convened his own “emergency and properly constituted” NWC meeting, announced the suspension of the National Chairman, Amb. Iliya Damagum, for one month over alleged incompetence, abuse of office, and disobedience to court orders.
“We decided that for the interest of discipline and order, the National Chairman, who has been found wanting on several grounds, should step aside for one month,” Anyanwu declared.
He further accused the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, of releasing unauthorised statements that misrepresented the party and sowed confusion among members.
“We have overwhelming evidence against the National Publicity Secretary. To restore sanity to the party, he has been suspended pending further investigation,” Anyanwu added.
Other NWC members affected by the suspension include Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyengikuro; National Youth Leader, Mohammed Kadende; and Deputy National Secretary, Arc. Setonji Koshoedo.
Anyanwu alleged that some of the suspended officers diverted nomination funds, undermined party unity, and acted beyond their constitutional powers.
“All of them have been referred to the Disciplinary Committee to show cause why they should not be expelled from the party,” he said.
New Acting Leadership Announced
The Anyanwu-led faction announced new interim arrangements, naming the National Vice-Chairman (North Central) as Acting National Chairman. It also directed the party’s Director of Publicity, Ms. Chinwe Nnorom, to assume responsibility for all official communications.
Anyanwu disclosed that the National Legal Adviser, who joined the meeting virtually from the International Bar Conference in Canada, endorsed the decisions taken by his faction.
Despite the confusion, Anyanwu maintained that the PDP remained united.
“As a matter of fact, we are strong as a party. We are united and committed to the rule of law and internal democracy,” he insisted.
Party in Peril as 2027 Looms
The duelling suspensions have plunged the PDP into uncertainty at a time when it is struggling to rebuild public confidence and reassert itself as Nigeria’s leading opposition platform.
Political observers say the development could deepen existing fault lines within the party, particularly between loyalists of key presidential figures and regional blocs already jostling for control ahead of the 2027 elections.
A senior party chieftain who spoke on condition of anonymity described the situation as “a dangerous replay of the PDP’s 2013 implosion,” which led to mass defections and ultimately cost the party power in 2015.
“The timing couldn’t be worse,” the source said. “Instead of focusing on reforms and unity, leaders are tearing themselves apart. This could cost the PDP dearly in 2027.”
As at press time, efforts to reach both factions for reconciliation were unsuccessful. The PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) and other elder statesmen of the party are expected to intervene in the coming days to prevent a total breakdown of order.
For now, however, the party appears locked in a bitter internal war — one that could determine not just its leadership structure, but its very survival ahead of the next national elections.