Abuja witnessed a tense standoff on Monday as supporters of the faction loyal to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Vice Chairman (North Central), Mohammed Abdulrahman, stormed the party’s national secretariat at Wadata Plaza.

The group, chanting solidarity songs and waving party flags, demanded the immediate resignation of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Umar Damagum, accusing the leadership of mismanaging party affairs.

Abdulrahman was recently appointed Acting National Chairman, following the suspension of the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, for a period of one month. The suspension and leadership shuffle have escalated a brewing crisis within the party, raising fears of further fragmentation.

In a dramatic countermove, supporters loyal to Anyanwu convened at a separate location in Abuja and announced the suspension of the Damagum-led NWC, intensifying the internal power struggle.

Protesters at Wadata Plaza vowed to reclaim control of the secretariat for the Abdulrahman-led faction, warning that they would not back down until the NWC stepped aside.

Security forces have been deployed to the area to prevent clashes and ensure public safety, as both factions jostle for control of the party headquarters.

The leadership tussle exposes deep divisions within the PDP, which has long struggled to maintain cohesion amid internal rivalries and competing ambitions. Analysts say the ongoing crisis could have significant implications for the party’s unity and electoral prospects in upcoming elections.

Party members and stakeholders have called for dialogue and mediation to resolve the impasse peacefully, warning that continued unrest could damage the party’s image and weaken its political influence.

Further developments are expected as both factions continue their standoff at the national secretariat.

The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expanded to another level, as the Senator Samuel Anyanwu–led National Working Committee (NWC) announced the counter-suspension of the party’s National Chairman, Umar Damagum, citing alleged incompetence, misappropriation of party funds, and pursuit of personal interests.

Ohibaba noted that those who were also suspended are the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and the Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, among others.

According to Senator Anyanwu, all the suspended officers will be referred to the party’s disciplinary committee for further action.

The announcement by Anyanwu comes shortly after the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, announced his suspension as the party’s National Secretary by the NWC.

Others suspended alongside Anyanwu are the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade; Deputy Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha; and National Organizing Secretary, Umaru Bature for one month.

The suspension comes on the heels of the judgement of the Federal High Court On Friday, which stopped the party’s planned national convention.

Ologunagba had told journalists in Abuja on Saturday that the decision followed an emergency meeting of the national working committee, which was held in Abuja.

He noted that the suspended party officials have been referred to the National Disciplinary Committee.

He said that during this period of the suspension, they cease to function in their respective capacities.

According to him, in the case of the National Secretary, Pursuant to Section 36(2) of the PDP Constitution as amended in 2017, the Deputy National Secretary, Hon. Arc. Setonji Koshoedo shall act as the National Secretary.

He added that in the case of the National Legal Adviser and the Deputy National Legal Adviser, the National Director of Legal Services has been directed to oversee the activities of the Department.

The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has suspended the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade; National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; Deputy Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha; and National Organizing Secretary, Umaru Bature for one month following a court ruling that halted the party’s planned national convention.

Disclosing this while addressing the press, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the decision followed an emergency NWC meeting held on Saturday at the party’s office, Legacy House, located in Maitama, Abuja.

He stated that, “The NWC, in line with the party’s constitution, came to the following conclusion: the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN); Deputy Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha; National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; and National Organizing Secretary have been suspended for one month and referred to the PDP Disciplinary Committee.”

Details later….