The PDP faces escalating internal turmoil as 11 NWC members oppose Acting Chairman Umar Damagum and embattled Secretary Samuel Anyanwu. The crisis centers on a controversial legal counsel appointment and ongoing disputes over Anyanwu's position. This deepening divide raises questions about the party's stability ahead of key political challenges.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is grappling with intensified internal strife as 11 out of 17 members of its National Working Committee (NWC) have publicly disowned the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu. The discord highlights deep-seated tensions within the party, raising concerns about its stability.
The controversy stems from a letter issued by Damagum on December 20, 2024, appointing Dr. J.Y. Musa (SAN) as the party’s legal representative in a Supreme Court case involving Anyanwu. This decision, allegedly made on behalf of the NWC, was met with strong opposition. A counter-letter, signed by key NWC members, including Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), urged the court to disregard Damagum’s directive, citing violations of the party’s constitution.
The PDP’s constitution assigns the authority to appoint external legal counsel exclusively to the National Legal Adviser. The move by Damagum was deemed unconstitutional, escalating tensions within the party.
Adding to the conflict is the contentious status of Anyanwu as National Secretary. After losing the Imo governorship election, his bid to reclaim the position has sparked further divisions, with a Court of Appeal ruling replacing him with Sunday Ude-Okoye.
As the crisis unfolds, the PDP faces mounting pressure to resolve its leadership disputes to maintain unity ahead of upcoming political contests.
