The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a new turn on as a faction of the party, reportedly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, announced the suspension of the National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum alongside five other members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
The development was made public during a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday, where Senator Samuel Anyanwu, speaking on behalf of the factional NWC, declared that the National Vice Chairman for the North Central region, Mohammed Abdulrahman, has been appointed as the Acting National Chairman of the party.
According to Anyanwu, the decision followed alleged cases of incompetence, financial misconduct, and disregard for court judgments by Damagum.
He stated that the suspended officials are to appear before the party’s Disciplinary Committee within 30 days.
“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,” Anyanwu announced.
He further disclosed that the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, was suspended for issuing statements without the party’s approval, while the Deputy National Vice Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, was also suspended.
Other suspended officials include the National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyenguikoro, over alleged financial misconduct; the National Youth Leader, Sulaiman Kadade; and the Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo.
“All of them will be sent to the Disciplinary Committee to show cause why they should not be expelled,” the statement added.
