A second camp of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the suspension of key members of the National Working Committee (NWC), in retaliation for the earlier suspension of some officials by the Umar Damagum-led NWC.
In the latest development, the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, announced the suspension of Damagum and four other members of the NWC, signaling the division of the committee into two.
Apart from the national president, the Anyanwu camp also suspended the national vice president (South), Taofeek Arapaja; Deputy National Secretary, Setongi Koshoedo; the Secretary of National Finance, Daniel Woyiendikoro; and the national youth leader, Mohammed Kandede.
All officials, according to Anyanwu, were suspended for 30 days and referred to disciplinary action for allegedly acting in violation of the party’s constitution and relevant electoral laws.
“Some members of the NWC have caused discontent that caused some of our governors to leave the PDP for another party.
“We have decided to suspend Damagum for incompetence, misappropriation of party funds and failure to comply with court orders,” Anyanwu announced at a press conference held at his Abuja office.
According to him, the NWC, after a review of the party’s situation, appointed National Vice President (North Centre), Mohammed Abdulrahman, to act as National President while Damagum serves his suspension.
In Ologunagba’s place, his NWC appointed National Director of Publicity, Dr Chinwe Nnorom, to act as party spokesperson while Ologunagba is suspended for 30 days.
The camp’s decision came a few hours after the Damagum-led group suspended Anyanwu and three others for alleged “anti-party activities.”
The other three were the Secretary of National Organization, Honorable Umar Bature; the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN; and the Deputy National Legal Counsel, Okechukwu Osuoha.
The side appointed National Vice President (North Centre), Mohammed Abdulrahman, as Acting National President.
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