The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated as 11 out of the 17 members of the National Working Committee (NWC) openly opposed the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, over their handling of a Supreme Court appeal.
Damagum had, in a letter dated December 20, 2024, appointed the legal chambers of Dr. J.Y. Musa (SAN) to represent the party in Supreme Court Appeal No: CA/E/23/2024, involving Senator Anyanwu and Aniagwu Emmanuel. He claimed to have acted on behalf of the NWC and the National Executive Committee (NEC). “I hereby instruct you to represent and defend us (PDP) in the appeal under reference at the Supreme Court,” Damagum stated in his letter.
However, this decision sparked outrage among other NWC members, who insisted that Damagum acted unilaterally and violated the party’s constitution. In a counter-letter addressed to the President of the Court of Appeal, Deputy National Chairman (South) Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), National Treasurer Alhaji Yayari Ahmed, National Publicity Secretary Hon. Debo Ologunagba, and others urged the court to disregard Damagum’s instruction.
“Our attention has been drawn to a letter of instruction signed by the Acting National Chairman of the PDP purportedly on behalf of the Party, the NWC, and the NEC, appointing Dr. J.Y. Musa (SAN) to represent the party,” the NWC members wrote. “We respectfully urge the Supreme Court and everyone concerned to disregard the said letter.”
The NWC members emphasized that the authority to appoint external legal representatives lies solely with the National Legal Adviser, as outlined in Article 42 of the PDP Constitution. “The responsibility of appointing external solicitors to handle cases on behalf of the Party is that of the National Legal Adviser pursuant to Article 42 of the Party’s Constitution and not that of any other NWC member,” Ajibade stated.
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The rift stems from a court case challenging the position of PDP National Secretary. A High Court ruling, later upheld by the Court of Appeal in Enugu on December 20, 2024, removed Senator Anyanwu as National Secretary and affirmed Sunday Ude-Okoye as the rightful occupant of the position. Anyanwu, dissatisfied with the ruling, filed an appeal and a Stay of Execution, with Dr. Musa chosen as the party’s legal counsel by Damagum.
Defending Damagum’s decision, a NEC member supporting him stated, “The Acting National Chairman acted within his powers under Provision 35 of the PDP Constitution, which authorizes the National Chairman to provide leadership and defend the party’s integrity.”
However, Ajibade and his colleagues countered that legal decisions affecting the party cannot be made without the input and consent of the National Legal Adviser. Citing section 42 of the party’s constitution, they stressed that the National Legal Adviser is responsible for conducting litigation and interpreting party laws.
The deepening divide within the PDP raises questions about the feasibility of the NEC meeting scheduled for early February. As both sides dig in, the crisis threatens to further destabilize the party’s leadership structure and affect its political activities.
Observers within the party worry that this legal tussle may harm the PDP’s public image. One party insider noted, “This infighting doesn’t inspire confidence in our ability to unite and address the challenges facing us as a political party.”