The crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has assumed a new turn with the National Working Working (NWC) directing the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN, to step aside.
The order was contained in a statement issued on Thursday night and signed by Chinwe Nnorom, its National Director of Publicity.
According to the statement, the NWC has constituted an investigation committee to look into the conduct of the two elected national officers.
The committee is headed by Deputy National Chairman (South) Amb. Taofeek Arapaja.
The NWC also directed the deputy national publicity secretary, Ibrahim Manga and the deputy national legal adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha, to step into the shoes of the suspended officers.
The statement said: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) arising from its 593rd Meeting today, Thurday, October 10, 2024, has directed the National Publicity Secretary (NPS), Hon Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser (NLA), Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN, to step aside, respectively.
“As a result, the NWC constituted a committee to be chaired by the Deputy National Chairman (South) H.E. Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate the issues raised against the officers in compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Party.
“Following the NWC’s decision, it directed their respective deputies (DNPS and DNLA) to assume office in acting capacity with effect from Friday, October 11, 2014, pending the conclusion of investigation by the Committee. The officers are: Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga, Esq, Acting National Publicity Secretary and Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha, Acting National Legal Adviser
“The NWC enjoins all leaders, critical stakeholders, teeming members and supporters of our great Party to remain focused and committed as it pilots the day-to-day affairs of the PDP for its greater good.”
The suspended officers had opposed the leadership’s support for the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in his struggle with Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.
But the action immediately resulted in a major shake-up of the main opposition party as the purportedly suspended national officers swiftly announced the removal of Damagum and Samuel Anyanwu as the acting national chairman and the national secretary, respectively, from office over allegations of anti-party activities.
The announcement was made via an official press release by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on Friday.
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The factional NWC’s decision stemmed from a controversial letter reportedly signed by both Damagum and Anyanwu, addressed to the Court of Appeal in the ongoing legal battle concerning 27 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The legislators, who had defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), are embroiled in a case that challenges the legality of their seats in the assembly after decamping.
In the statement, the factional NWC expressed its strong condemnation of the actions of both Damagum and Anyanwu, labeling their involvement in the case as a “gross violation” of the party’s constitution and their respective oaths of office.
The NWC noted that their actions were not only unauthorized but directly conflicted with the party’s position, describing them as clear instances of anti-party conduct.
Citing Sections 57, 58, and 59 of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), it said the NWC has immediately suspended both officials from their positions and referred them to the National Disciplinary Committee for further action.
During the period of their suspension, they are barred from participating in any party meetings, activities, or programs until the investigations are completed, the faction said.
Following the suspension of the party boss, the faction moved swiftly to fill the leadership vacuum, announcing the appointment of Alhaji Yayari Ahmed Mohammed as the new Acting National Chairman.
His appointment, the committee noted, is in accordance with the PDP constitution and takes effect immediately.
According to the statement, Alhaji Yayari, a seasoned party stalwart, is expected to steer the party through this turbulent period as the PDP prepares for its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for October 24, 2024.
The faction urged party leaders and stakeholders to remain focused and united as the NWC begins its preparations for the crucial NEC meeting, a gathering seen as pivotal in the future direction of the party.
As tensions escalate within the NWC, the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) has stepped in, calling for a return to the status quo in order to preserve unity.
The BoT, led by Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, released a statement on Friday, urging the warring factions to put aside their differences for the sake of the party’s stability.
In the press release, the BoT expressed concern over the internal conflict within the NWC, which has deepened following the recent suspension of Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Illiya Damagum; National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade.
The leadership dispute has drawn sharp divisions within the party, leading to rising tensions at a time when the PDP is preparing for its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
Acknowledging that disagreements may arise in a party with a tradition of internal democracy, the BoT emphasized the importance of de-escalating the situation.
The trustees urged all sides to “revert to the status quo” in order to maintain unity and prevent further damage to the party’s image.
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“The warring persons must, in the overall interest of the party, revert to the status quo to preserve the unity and stability of our great party,” the BoT said in its statement.
The board also pledged to convene meetings with the members of the NWC to mediate the conflict, promising to foster reconciliation and restore order.
In its appeal, the BoT reassured party supporters and members that the PDP’s conflict resolution mechanisms would effectively address the crisis.
The statement also called on party faithful to remain calm, stressing that the issues at hand would be resolved in a way that strengthens the party’s internal cohesion ahead of the upcoming NEC meeting, scheduled for October 24.
“The BoT remains fully committed to its role of promoting peace, unity, and progress within the PDP,” the statement concluded.
This development marks yet another chapter in the internal struggles that have plagued Nigeria’s main opposition party in recent years, raising questions about party discipline and internal governance as it gears up for future elections.