Chaos at PDP headquarters as thugs disrupt BoT meeting

A violent scene erupted at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday when suspected thugs stormed in and disrupted a Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting. The disruption led to panic among party members present. The meeting, led by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, had key figures in attendance, including National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, and former Youth Leader Sunday Ude-Okoye. Tensions escalated between Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye, both contesting for the PDP National Secretary position. Ude-Okoye arrived early but was later forced out after Anyanwu entered with Damagum. The conflict stems from a leadership dispute within the party. In 2023, PDP’s South East zone nominated Ude-Okoye to replace Anyanwu, who had contested in the Imo State governorship election. A High Court ruling in December 2024 removed Anyanwu from the position, declaring Ude-Okoye as the rightful National Secretary. However, a recent Court of Appeal order allowed Anyanwu to stay in office until the Supreme Court decides on the matter.

Protest Erupts at Cross River PDP Office Over Ousted Chairman

Protests have ensued from efforts by officials of Cross River Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to re-install the ousted Chairman, Mr. Venatius Ikem. As the move crystalise, party faithfuls converged on the state secretariat in Calabar, voicing their strong disapproval over the potential reinstatement of the party’s ousted state chairman.  Members from various local government areas and wards across the state gathered, holding placards expressing their dissatisfaction with the former chairman’s leadership. The protesters made it clear that if Ikem were reinstated, they would consider leaving the party. Some placards boldly declared their stance with messages like “Ikem must go,” and “The decision of the Cross River State Working Committee (SWC) is the best for the party.”  The protest, led by the chairman of Calabar Municipality, Bassey Asuquo, emphasized the belief that removing Ikem was a necessary step for revitalizing the party’s fortunes in the region. Asuquo and other local leaders spoke passionately about how Ikem’s leadership had hindered the progress of the PDP in Cross River.  They argued that his actions had caused stagnation and division within the party, which they believed was detrimental to its overall growth. “We fully support any measure, including the removal of Ikem, that will help the party move forward,” Asuquo stated. “If the national leadership reinstates him, we’ll have no choice but to leave.” The protest gained further momentum with comments from Chief Dennis Nkiri, the PDP’s deputy state chairman, who assured the demonstrators that the party’s leadership was committed to doing what was best for its development.  Mike Ojisi, the party’s state Publicity Secretary, added a metaphorical warning, saying, “We want Jonah to be removed from the boat for it not to sink.” Ikem’s removal, which took place two weeks ago, followed serious accusations of financial mismanagement, authoritarian leadership, and poor performance.  However, the former chairman has contested the decision, labeling it as unconstitutional, and has threatened to seek legal action to reverse it. Despite his protestations, the anger among local party members remains palpable, with many insisting that his exit is non-negotiable for the future of the PDP in Cross River.

PDP Leadership Faces Internal Conflicts as Factions Suspend Key Members

Some observers however, express the view that these officials are merely puppets dancing to a drumbeat outside the PDP. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is experiencing a leadership tussle as factions within its National Working Committee (NWC) clash. The camp led by the acting National Chairman, Illiya Damagum, recently suspended two key officials—National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade. This action follows the constitution of a committee headed by Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate alleged violations by the suspended officers. In response, the other faction, associated with Ologunagba, retaliated by suspending Damagum and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu. This group accused Damagum and Anyanwu of undermining the party’s position in a court case involving former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. They cited breaches of the party’s constitution and referred the matter to the National Disciplinary Committee for further action. The situation has escalated with new acting officials appointed: Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga as Acting National Publicity Secretary and Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha as Acting National Legal Adviser. The factions appear determined to consolidate power, indicating deeper divisions within the PDP as both sides prepare for further investigations and disciplinary proceedings. Meanwhile, some observers express the view that these officials are merely puppets dancing to a drumbeat by an active offset interested party. Those who express this view cite the squabble in the Labour Party, the second runner-up in the 2023 presidential election as evidence that a vested interest is masterminding these conflicts in order to weaken the opposition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).