The national chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Illiya Damagum, has notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the suspension of the national secretary, Samuel Anyanwu and three other National Working Committee (NWC) members.
This comes a day after Anyanwu filed a notice to INEC on the suspension of Damagum and some other NWC members.
Damagum, in a letter dated November 1 and cosigned by 13 other members of the NWC, told INEC that Anyanwu, the national organising secretary, Umar Bature; national legal adviser, Barr Kamaldeen Ajibade; and Barr Okechukwu Osuoha, were suspended from the party on November 1, this year.
The letter added that the action was pursuant to provisions of Section 57(3),58(1)(a)(b)(c) and (h) and 59(1) of the party’s constitution as amended in 2017.
It added that the deputy national secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, will act as national secretary for the 30 day period the suspension will last.
Meanwhile, the North Central chapter of PDP has pledged loyalty to the Damagum-led National Working Committee.
The zonal party in a communique rejected the Hon. Mohammed Abdulrahaman-led NWC backed by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike.
In a communique after their meeting on Tuesday, the party leaders lamented that the current crisis in PDP was triggered by the judgment delivered by Justice Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, noting
that those who instigated the legal issue were bent on stopping the November 15 national convention.
They added that the suspension of some party executive members by the Damagum-led NWC was taken to uphold party discipline, standards, and decorum.
The communique signed by PDP North Central secretary, Hon. Francis O. Orogu,
read in part, “We the members of the People’s Democratic Party North Central Zone here by distance and disassociated ourselves as a party from the purported impeachment/removal of the National Chairman Amb. Umar Damagun by mere four National Working Committee Members and subsequently the so-called replacement of the same with Hon. Abdulrahaman Mohammed.
“This negative act if left on checked may in future provide an opportunity for judicial mischief by some corrupt judges as witnessed in the past cases during the 2023 general elections. We therefore emphasize the need for wisdom, prudence, and strict implementation of pending NEC decisions if any, that are aimed at strengthening our great party ahead of the forthcoming National Convention,” it stated.
They however added that the present situation at hand requires wider consultation with stakeholders including party elders, former party leaders, and state chapters for a comprehensive analysis and resolutions before any final decisions are made, particularly on whether to suspend any perceived saboteurs or disloyal elements.
They added that the National Working Committee should be focused on rebuilding confidence and reassuring party supporters of its genuine commitment to conducting a credible congress and ushering in a new leadership before the expiration of their tenure, and on that note, must ensure a transparent and all inclusive convention.
“It is no longer news that some groups of persons within the party are desperately working to undermine the forthcoming national convention, we are equally concerned that the north central has been short changed during the said micro zoning. Nevertheless, we must not fall or allow ourselves to be dragged into the traps set by this egomaniac and selfish politicians cut across the party to finally destroy the hope and future of Nigeria.
“This negative act if left on checked may in future provide an opportunity for judicial mischief by some corrupt judges as witnessed in the past cases during the 2023 general elections.
“We therefore emphasize the need for wisdom, prudence, and strict implementation of pending NEC decisions if any, that are aimed at strengthening our great party ahead of the forthcoming National Convention.
“Regrettably, in the desperate bid of some individuais to destroy the grassroots based political party, (PDP) they are trying to drag the North Central Zone into their schemes including the purported appointment of Hon. Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, as Acting National Chairman.
“The North Central Zonal Working and Executive Committee finds this act not only laughable but also insulting. We therefore totally dissociate ourselves and the entire zone from this disgraceful developersent and call on Hon. Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed to distance himself from any act capuble of dipping the unfortunate situations we find ourselves. More disturbing is the situation persecurity and government institutions are used to perpetual or encourage crime! this is unbecoming of a civilize democratic society
“May we use this opportunity to farther call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to please direct the security men not to encourage or aid any type of criminal coup, be it military or political coup they are both crimes against democracy, Your Excellency Sir please note that not all those who praises a leader while in power are well-wishers. this webelieve you know better, your excellency sir allow your destiny drive your future as always
“Finally we called on all well-meaning members of our great party at all levels to remain calm, discipline and focus as we have seen more of this in the past and yet overcame and this would not be an exception, we cannot say how long this political nightmare will continue, but for sure what ever has a beginning has an end,” it added
