Nigeria's opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended four officials loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, raising concerns of internal factionalization. The move came during a National Working Committee meeting in Abuja on November 1, 2025. However, reports indicate a counter-suspension of the party chairman by Wike's allies.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) announced the suspension of four key officials on November 1, 2025, following its 608th National Working Committee (NWC) meeting in Abuja. The suspended members, identified as loyalists of Nyesom Wike, include National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, and Deputy National Legal Adviser Okechukwu Osuoha. The NWC, chaired by Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagun, cited anti-party activities as the reason, stating the action aims to strengthen democracy and maintain discipline among members.
The suspensions are for one month, with cases referred to the National Disciplinary Committee for further review. In Anyanwu's absence, Deputy National Secretary Hon. Arc. Setonji Koshoedo will act in the role, per Section 36(2) of the PDP Constitution. The National Director of Legal Services has been directed to oversee the Legal Department.
This development escalates an ongoing crisis, with initial signs of a potential split emerging on September 2, 2025. Wike and allies, including Anyanwu, Dan Orbih, Okezie Ikpeazu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Ayodele Fayose, George Sekibo, the Rivers State Speaker, Philip Tanimu Aduda, Micah Jiba, and some Board of Trustees members, met in Abuja. Former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom read a communique demanding retention of the chairmanship in the North Central zone and fresh congresses in Ekiti, Ebonyi, and the South East. Ortom stated: “We, the Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP, having met to review the state of our great party and assessed the critical issues leading to the forthcoming National Convention, do hereby express our collective commitment to the principles of equity, justice, inclusivity, and the rule of law – values upon which the PDP was founded and upon which its survival depends.”
Complicating matters, reports from later that day indicate Anyanwu announced the suspension of Damagun, hailing a verdict against the party's convention plans. While the NWC's action targets Wike's group, this counter-move highlights deepening divisions within the PDP.