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.
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