The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently embroiled in a significant internal crisis, marked by the emergence of parallel factions within its National Working Committee (NWC) and a series of reciprocal suspensions of key officials. This dramatic turn of events unfolded on a Saturday, revealing deep divisions within the party leadership.

One faction, reportedly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, announced the suspension of the party’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum. This faction also moved to suspend five other top officials, including the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who ironically briefed journalists on behalf of this factional NWC.

Senator Anyanwu, speaking from Abuja, detailed the reasons for Damagum's suspension, citing allegations of incompetence, financial misconduct, and a disregard for court judgments. He stated that Damagum was suspended for one month and instructed to face the Disciplinary Committee. Furthermore, this faction announced the appointment of Mohammed Abdulrahman, the party’s National Vice Chairman (North Central), as the new Acting National Chairman.

In addition to Damagum, other officials suspended by the Wike-loyal faction included National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, for allegedly issuing statements without party approval, and Deputy National Vice Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja. The National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyenguikoro, faced suspension over alleged financial misconduct. The National Youth Leader, Sulaiman Kadade, and the Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, were also suspended for 30 days and are expected to appear before the Disciplinary Committee to explain their actions.

However, these suspensions came mere hours after the NWC, operating under the leadership of Ambassador Umar Damagum, had already announced its own set of suspensions. This faction suspended Senator Samuel Anyanwu himself, along with the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), and two other individuals. This tit-for-tat dynamic highlights the severe schism within the PDP, with both sides asserting authority and taking disciplinary action against the other's key figures.