The group also suspended Debo Ologunagba, the party’s
spokesperson; Taofeek Arapaja, deputy national vice-chairman (south); Daniel
Woyenguikoro, national financial secretary; Sulaiman Kadade, national youth
leader; and Setonji Koshoedo, deputy national secretary.

Anyanwu, an ally of Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal
capital territory (FCT), announced the suspension of the party officials on
Saturday.

He said Mohammed Abdulrahman, national vice-chairman
(north-central), has been appointed as the acting national chairman.

Anyanwu said the suspended party members will face a
disciplinary committee “to show cause why they should not be expelled”.

BACKGROUND

Earlier on Saturday, the PDP NWC led by Damagum suspended
Anyanwu, Kamaldeen Ajibade, national legal adviser; Okechukwu Osuoha, deputy
legal adviser; and Umaru Bature, national organising secretary, over alleged
anti-party activities.

Ologunagba, who announced the suspension during a press
conference, stated that the decision followed an emergency meeting of the NWC
in Abuja.

FRESH TWIST

As the PDP prepares for its national convention slated for
November 15 and 16, its internal wrangling has taken a new turn.

On Friday, a federal high court in Abuja stopped the
opposition party’s planned national convention.

James Omotosho, the presiding judge, said evidence before
the court showed that the party failed to hold valid state congresses before
the planned national convention as stipulated in the 1999 constitution, the
guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and its own
constitution.

The judge declared that the PDP’s non-compliance with the
legal provisions had jeopardised its planned convention, advising the party to
rectify the infractions before proceeding with the event.

Consequently, the court barred INEC from receiving,
publishing, or recognising any outcome from the proposed convention until the
PDP meets all statutory requirements.

During the court case on October 14, Ajibade clashed with
Umar Damagum, PDP national chairman, over who holds the authority to appoint
lawyers for the party.

The drama unfolded when Chris Uche, a senior advocate of
Nigeria (SAN), announced his appearance for the PDP, citing a letter signed by
Damagum authorising him to represent the party.

However, moments later, Ajibade also announced his
appearance for the PDP, arguing that only his office has the constitutional
power to engage legal representation on behalf of the party.

The conflicting claims created confusion in the courtroom,
with both senior lawyers standing their ground.

The tense situation forced the judge to stand down
proceedings and direct the two party leaders to “put their house in order”.

Recently, Anyanwu accused the party of forging his signature
on letters informing the INEC of the planned convention.

The PDP NWC, board of trustees (BoT), and several party
officials have denied the claim.