The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction loyal to Umar Damagum has reaffirmed the suspension of three national officers, citing anti-party activities and gross misconduct. The suspended officers include National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN. This decision was announced in a statement on the party’s official social media handle on Friday.
According to the faction, the suspension of these officers demonstrates the party’s commitment to upholding its constitution and maintaining unity ahead of its National Elective Convention, scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan. The suspensions, which also apply to Deputy National Legal Adviser Okechukwu Osuoha, were imposed on November 1, 2025, following an emergency meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC).
The party cited sections 57(3), 58(1)(a)(b)(c)(h), and 59(1) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) as the basis for the suspensions, which will remain in effect for one month. The affected officers have been referred to the National Disciplinary Committee for further review. The party has notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of these actions, ensuring compliance with the NWC’s decision.
The faction also denounced Vice Chairman (North Central) Abdulrahman Mohammed as an impostor and illegitimate claimant to the position of Acting National Chairman. They accused him of attempting to derail the party’s National Convention and alleged that his actions are driven by personal ambitions and influenced by proxies of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP NWC, under the leadership of Ambassador Damagum, remains united, with 14 out of 17 members supporting the suspension of the officers. The party has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the violent invasion of its premises and hold the perpetrators accountable. The suspension of the officers is seen as a measure to maintain party integrity and discipline, and the party is determined to move forward with its National Convention as planned.
