In a significant development within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a faction of the National Working Committee (NWC) has suspended the party's Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, along with National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu. This decision was announced following a meeting of the NWC held on October 10, 2024.
The suspensions stem from allegations of disloyalty and anti-party activities related to a letter addressed to the Court of Appeal concerning the case of 27 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The NWC condemned these actions as violations of the PDP Constitution and the Oath of Office taken by both officials.
In a statement released by National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, it was noted that the NWC had thoroughly reviewed complaints against Damagum and Anyanwu before making this decision. The statement emphasized that their actions were detrimental to the party's interests and warranted immediate suspension pending further investigation.
The NWC has also established a committee, chaired by Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate the allegations against those suspended. During this period, Damagum and Anyanwu will be barred from participating in all NWC meetings and activities.
This suspension adds to the ongoing turmoil within the PDP, which has seen retaliatory actions among its factions. Earlier this week, a faction aligned with Damagum had suspended National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade and Ologunagba for similar accusations of disloyalty.