The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is embroiled in a severe internal crisis, characterized by reciprocal suspensions of its National Working Committee (NWC) members and judicial intervention concerning its upcoming National Convention.

The crisis intensified when the NWC, led by National Chairman Ambassador Illiya Damagum, announced the suspension of key officials loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This included National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Deputy Legal Adviser Okechukwu Osuoha, and National Organizing Secretary Umaru Bature. National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba announced these one-month suspensions, stating the officials were referred to a disciplinary committee for alleged anti-party activities. Setonji Koshoedo and the Deputy Legal Adviser were appointed as acting replacements for Anyanwu and Ajibade, respectively.

In a swift counter-move, a faction of the NWC led by Senator Samuel Anyanwu announced the suspension of National Chairman Ambassador Illiya Damagum. Anyanwu, speaking in Abuja, accused Damagum of incompetence, financial misconduct, and disregard for court judgments, imposing a one-month suspension and referral to a disciplinary committee. This faction also suspended National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba for issuing unauthorized statements, Deputy National Vice Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, National Financial Secretary Daniel Woyenguikoro for alleged financial misconduct, National Youth Leader Sulaiman Kadade, and Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo, all for 30 days, pending disciplinary action.

Following these suspensions, Anyanwu's faction announced Alhaji Abdulrahman Muhammed, the National Vice Chairman North Central, as the Acting National Chairman. This faction also commended the Federal High Court judgment that halted the party’s National Convention, viewing it as a victory against impunity and illegality for all PDP members.

The internal wrangling culminated in a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, stopping the PDP's planned National Convention slated for November 15 and 16. The court found that the party failed to hold valid state congresses as required by the 1999 constitution, INEC guidelines, and its own constitution. Justice Omotosho declared that these infractions jeopardized the convention and barred INEC from recognizing any outcome until the PDP rectified the issues.

Initially, the PDP, through Debo Ologunagba, rejected the Federal High Court's judgment, calling it an “assault on Nigeria’s democratic process” and vowing to proceed with its convention preparations. The party cited a Supreme Court ruling on the supremacy of political parties in managing internal affairs. However, Anyanwu's faction later publicly hailed the same court judgment.

The depth of the party's disunity was further exposed during the court case when National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade clashed with National Chairman Umar Damagum over the authority to appoint lawyers for the party. Both senior lawyers claimed the right to represent the PDP, forcing the judge to halt proceedings. Additionally, Senator Anyanwu accused the party of forging his signature on letters to INEC regarding the planned convention, a claim denied by the NWC, Board of Trustees (BoT), and other party officials.

The series of suspensions, counter-suspensions, and the court-mandated halt of its convention underscore the deep-seated factionalism within the PDP, posing significant challenges to its stability and its preparations for future political activities.