PDP breaks into two factions as the party suspend the national chairman, national secretary, national publicity secretary and legal adviser

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) is facing deepening internal conflict as its National Working Committee (NWC) has suspended key officials, intensifying the party's crisis.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, have been suspended over accusations of misconduct, including disloyalty and insubordination. A statement released on Thursday, October 10, by the PDP’s National Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom, revealed that both officials would be referred to a disciplinary committee led by Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja. Their deputies have been appointed to serve in acting capacities.

Tensions escalated when a faction loyal to the suspended officials retaliated by suspending the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and the National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu. This faction accused Damagum and Anyanwu of undermining the party’s position in a legal case involving 27 former Rivers State House of Assembly members who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Led by Ologunagba, this faction criticized Damagum and Anyanwu for writing to the Court of Appeal, arguing it went against the party’s stance, and used the PDP Constitution to justify their suspension.

This internal struggle over leadership and direction has left the NWC divided, threatening the party's effectiveness as the country approaches a crucial election period. Both sides accuse each other of betrayal and anti-party activities, and with the disciplinary committee set to investigate, the future of the PDP remains uncertain amid ongoing leadership disputes.