PDP Split Deepens as Protesters Storm US Embassy
Protesters petitioned the US, EU and justice ministry over one-party drift as rival factions suspended each other's leaders.
A fresh chapter in the internal crisis rocking the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) unfolded on Tuesday as members of the party marched to the United States Embassy in Abuja, urging the international community to intervene in what they called a dangerous slide toward a one-party state.
The protesters, who also submitted petitions to the European Union and the Ministry of Justice, carried placards demanding greater protection for the judiciary and opposition voices. They insisted that ongoing intimidation of opposition members posed a direct threat to Nigeria’s democratic balance.
Their public action came amid a fierce leadership struggle within the PDP, where opposing factions issued suspensions against one another over the weekend. National Chairman Umar Damagum and some NWC members had earlier announced disciplinary action against several principal officers.
Samuel Anyanwu responded by leading a separate faction to suspend Damagum and other officials, widening the rift. By Monday, Anyanwu-backed acting chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed resumed at the party headquarters while Damagum and his allies stayed away.
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