Internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a dramatic turn as the Forum of State Chairmen announced the suspension of two of its members—Mr. Austine Nwachukwu (Imo) and Mr. Amah Nnana (Abia)—over their involvement in a legal move to stop the party’s upcoming national convention.
The duo had reportedly sought a court injunction to block the convention, which is slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan.
At a meeting held Wednesday at the PDP’s national headquarters in Abuja, 28 state chairmen unanimously condemned the actions of their colleagues and distanced the forum from what they described as sabotage.
> “We can’t be used to bring down this party,” declared Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, acting Chairman of the Forum and Edo State PDP Chairman, while addressing journalists after the meeting.
Reading from a communique issued by the forum, Aziegbemi accused Nwachukwu and Nnana of acting in collusion with forces outside the party to derail its democratic processes.
> “Their decision to obtain a court injunction against the national convention is a betrayal of the collective resolve of the party. It is unacceptable,” he said.
Following their suspension, Aziegbemi was appointed as the new Chairman of the PDP Chairmen’s Forum.
The forum reaffirmed its support for the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) and pledged full cooperation toward a successful convention that will reposition the PDP for national relevance and victory in the 2027 general elections.
The chairmen also pointed fingers at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of orchestrating desperate efforts to destabilize the PDP.
> “There is a clear and undemocratic attempt to weaken the PDP by intimidating its leaders into defecting,” Aziegbemi said, warning that this could mark a dangerous slide toward one-party dominance.
He called on PDP members nationwide to stay calm and focused, adding that the forum remains committed to unity and rebuilding the party from within.
Ben Ndi Obi replaces Peter Mbah as convention secretary
In a related development, the PDP’s National Working Committee has announced the appointment of Senator Ben Ndi Obi as the new Secretary of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC).
Obi replaces Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who recently defected to the ruling APC—just days before the PDP’s crucial convention.
In a statement issued by Debo Ologunagba, PDP National Publicity Secretary and Secretary of the NCOC’s publicity sub-committee, the party praised Governor Ahmadu Fintiri (Chairman of the NCOC) for his “tireless efforts” in ensuring a smooth and credible convention process.
The NWC urged all stakeholders to remain focused, united, and committed to the party’s future.
> “We call on all leaders and members to close ranks, rally behind the convention, and work toward a PDP victory come 2027,” the statement read.
