- Safiu Kehinde
Fresh division has hit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the Samuel Anyawu-led faction announced the suspension of party’s substantial National Chairman, Umar Damagum.
This is coming barely six hours after the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) slammed one month suspension on Anyawu, the PDP’s National Secretary.
NPO earlier Reported that Anyawu was suspended by alongside the National Organising Secretary, Hon. Umar Bature; National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN); and Deputy National Legal Adviser, Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha.
In the wake of their suspension, Anyawu and other members of the faction backed by the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, held a Press briefing in Abuja where they announced the suspension of Damagum and five other members of the NWC.
As contained in a post shared on X by the FCT Minister’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, Anyanwu, announced the party’s National Vice Chairman (North Central), Mohammed Abdulrahman, as the Acting National Chairman.
Also suspended by the faction, was the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, issuing statements without the party’s approval.
“Unfortunately, some people may say that the National Secretary, National Organising Secretary who has the responsibility of monitoring everything and the National Legal Adviser, who is responsible for all legal issues, were purportedly suspended.
“On this note, we decided to suspend the National Chairman of the party, Ambassador Ilya Damagum, for incompetence, financial misconduct, and disregard for court judgment. He has been suspended for one month and should face the Disciplinary Committee.
“Secondly, we also suspended the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, for issuing statements without the party’s approval, and the Deputy National Vice Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, has also been suspended.
“The National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyenguikoro, who has been involved in alleged financial misconduct, has also been suspended.
“The National Youth Leader, Sulaiman Kadade, and the Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, have also been suspended for 30 days. All of them will be sent to the Disciplinary Committee to show cause why they should not be expelled.
“Therefore, we are announcing the National Vice Chairman (North Central) to serve as the Acting National Chairman, Mohammed Abdulrahman.” Anyawu declared.