BREAKING: 11 PDP NWC Members Reject Damagum’s Appointment of Wike’s Lawyer as Party Legal Counsel
The appointment was made by Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, but the dissenting members argue it violates the party's constitution
BREAKING: 11 PDP NWC Members Reject Damagum’s Appointment of Wike’s Lawyer as Party Legal Counsel
…Accuse Acting Chairman of Bypassing Party Constitution
In a fresh controversy rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), 11 out of 17 members of the National Working Committee (NWC) have openly rejected the appointment of Dr. J.Y. Musa, SAN, as the party’s legal counsel.
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BREAKING: Court Sacks All Rivers PDP Exco Members Loyal to Wike
The appointment was made by Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, but the dissenting members argue it violates the party’s constitution.
In a petition dated January 21, 2025, and submitted to the registries of both the Appeal and Supreme Courts, the 11 NWC members called for the rejection of Dr. Musa’s nomination. They claimed the appointment was unauthorized and contravened Article 42 of the PDP Constitution, which assigns the authority to appoint external solicitors solely to the National Legal Adviser.
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See documents attached below 👇
The controversy stems from a legal battle following the removal of Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu as PDP National Secretary. On December 20, 2024, the Enugu Division of the Court of Appeal upheld a High Court ruling that had ousted Anyanwu. Dr. Musa’s appointment as counsel was intended to represent the party in the subsequent Stay of Execution and Appeal proceedings.
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However, the dissenting NWC members argue that Damagum’s unilateral decision undermines the constitutionally defined processes within the party. “The Acting National Chairman has no authority to make such an appointment,” the members asserted in their petition, urging the courts to disregard the nomination.
Further fueling the controversy are allegations of a potential conflict of interest, with claims that Dr. Musa is a close ally of Minister Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State. Critics within the party suggest this connection could compromise the objectivity of Dr. Musa’s representation in court.
The dispute underscores the growing internal strife within the PDP, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the party’s leadership. The 11 NWC members have called for adherence to the party’s constitution and urged the leadership to ensure all appointments follow due process.
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This incident comes at a time when the PDP is already grappling with internal divisions and challenges to its leadership. Observers say this latest development highlights the urgent need for unity and reform within the party to restore trust among members and supporters.
As the fallout continues, all eyes are on the PDP’s leadership to see how it will navigate the crisis and address the concerns raised by the dissenting NWC members.
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