Power Struggle Deepens as PDP Splits into Rival Factions

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been thrown into a fresh round of internal turmoil following a bitter power tussle within its National Working Committee (NWC), splitting the party into two rival factions. The crisis escalated on Saturday as each faction announced the suspension of key officials on the other side, intensifying a battle for control ahead of the party’s next national convention.

The escalation comes barely 24 hours after the Federal High Court in Abuja halted the PDP’s planned national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State—further complicating an already fragile political situation and exposing a deepening rift between allies of Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and loyalists of Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Damagum Camp Moves First Amid PDP Leadership Tensions

Tension reached a boiling point on Saturday when the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, announced the suspension of four top officials, citing gross misconduct and actions capable of undermining the party.

According to Ologunagba, the suspensions followed an emergency NWC meeting held in accordance with the party’s constitution. Those suspended include National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN); National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; Deputy Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha; and National Organising Secretary, Umaru Bature. They were accused of anti-party activities and violating PDP regulations.

Ologunagba noted that the decision was necessary to maintain discipline, stating that the PDP “remains committed to internal democracy and respect for the rule of law.” He announced that Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, would serve as Acting National Secretary while the Director of Legal Services, Jacob Otorkpa, temporarily heads the legal department. The party, he added, “will not tolerate sabotage or disregard for lawful directives.”

Anyanwu Bloc Counters With Own Suspensions

In a swift counter-move, the faction loyal to Senator Samuel Anyanwu accused Damagum’s camp of constitutional breaches and financial misconduct, declaring its own suspensions in a parallel media briefing in Abuja.

Reading from a formal resolution, Anyanwu announced the suspension of Acting National Chairman Damagum and five other senior officers, alleging incompetence, mismanagement of party funds, and disobedience to court orders. Mohammed Abdulrahman, the National Vice Chairman (North-Central), was named Acting National Chairman by the rival bloc.

Anyanwu further suspended Ologunagba, Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, National Financial Secretary Daniel Woyenguikoro, National Youth Leader Sulaiman Kadade, and Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo. He accused them of financial misconduct, opening unauthorized party accounts, and negligence. “No one is above the PDP,” Anyanwu declared, insisting the move was meant to “restore sanity, unity, and discipline.”

Court Halts PDP planned Convention as Internal Battles Intensify

The leadership feud compounds a legal setback suffered by the PDP on Friday, when Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court restrained the party from holding its national convention pending internal compliance with constitutional and electoral procedures.

The suit, filed by senior PDP figures from Imo, Abia, and the South-South zone, alleged the party failed to hold valid congresses in 14 states and did not issue the required 21-day notice to INEC. The court found merit in their claims and suspended the convention until all internal irregularities are addressed.

Political analysts warn that the deepening factional crisis further undermines the party’s unity and organizational stability. Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, urging calm, congratulated Acting Chairman Abdulrahman and called for urgent reconciliation. “The PDP needs a new direction,” he said, advocating for fresh congresses and a legitimate convention to rebuild confidence within the party.