ABUJA, Nigeria – The internal crisis within Nigeria’s opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, took a dramatic turn as top officials engaged in mutual suspensions, raising questions about leadership and unity in the party ahead of crucial political milestones.
On Thursday, October 10, 2024, the PDP’s National Working Committee, NWC, led by Acting National Chairman Illiya Damagum, announced the suspension of two prominent officials: Debo Ologunagba, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, and Kamaldeen Ajibade, the National Legal Adviser.
Both were suspended over allegations of “disloyalty and insubordination.”
In a statement released by the NWC, the committee cited the need for investigation and compliance with the party’s constitution, assigning a special committee to probe the allegations.
“The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), arising from its 593rd Meeting today, Thursday, 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,” the statement read.
The NWC’s statement further detailed the appointment of deputies to assume acting roles in the positions vacated by Ologunagba and Ajibade.
“Following the NWC’s decision, it directed their respective deputies—DNPS Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga and DNLA Okechukwu Osuoha—to assume office in acting capacity effective Friday, October 11, 2024,” it added.
Ologunagba’s Retaliation: Another Suspension Bombshell
However, in a surprising twist, Ologunagba responded by announcing the suspension of Damagum and the PDP’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, less than 24 hours after his own suspension.
In a statement released on Friday, Ologunagba accused the two officials of engaging in anti-party activities, referencing their involvement in a controversial letter to the Court of Appeal regarding a case involving 27 former PDP lawmakers in Rivers State.
The lawmakers in question had defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, but were being challenged by the PDP to vacate their seats.
“The NWC condemned this anti-party activity of the Acting National Chairman and the National Secretary, which is in gross violation of the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) and their Oath of Office,” Ologunagba’s statement read.
Based on this, Ologunagba declared that both Damagum and Anyanwu had been suspended and referred to the party’s National Disciplinary Committee for further action.
He added, “In the meantime, the two officials are suspended from all meetings, activities, and programs of the NWC pending the conclusion of an investigation by the National Disciplinary Committee.”
A Party in Crisis
The recent developments are the latest signs of escalating tensions within the PDP, which has been grappling with internal divisions and factional struggles.
The party, which once held power at the federal level, has been trying to reposition itself as a formidable opposition force but now finds itself embroiled in leadership disputes.
The mutual suspensions reflect deeper concerns about the party’s structure and the ongoing contest for control ahead of the next election cycle.
Political analysts warn that such public discord could erode the party’s credibility among voters.
Meanwhile, the PDP has urged its members to remain committed to the party’s goals despite the leadership turbulence.
“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 official NWC statement emphasised.
With both factions standing their ground, the PDP’s internal disciplinary processes will likely face a significant test.
