National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the suspension of four top national officers, including the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, following allegations of anti-party activities.
The one-month suspension also affects the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade; National Organising Secretary, Umaru Bature; and Deputy National Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha.
The development was disclosed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, after an emergency NWC meeting held on Saturday in Abuja.
This action comes less than 24 hours after a Federal High Court in Abuja halted the party’s planned national convention, which was scheduled to take place in Ibadan from November 15 to 16.
According to Ologunagba, the suspensions were approved pursuant to Sections 58 and 59 of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), which outline disciplinary measures for members involved in acts deemed prejudicial to the party’s interests.
> “The NWC met and reviewed the activities of the party, particularly the recent developments involving members engaging in anti-party activities,” Ologunagba explained.
He recalled that on August 8, the party had earlier issued warnings to members regarding anti-party conduct, as defined in Section 58, which includes actions that could “bring the party into disrepute, hatred or contempt” or any disobedience to lawful directives of the party’s leadership.
> “The constitution also frowns on any conduct likely to cause disaffection among members or disrupt the lawful and peaceful running of the party,” he added.
Ologunagba went on to list the resolutions reached by the NWC:
> “One, the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, is suspended for 30 days and referred to the National Disciplinary Committee.
Two, the Deputy National Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha, is suspended for 30 days and referred to the disciplinary committee.
Three, the National Organising Secretary, Umaru Bature, is suspended for one month and referred to the disciplinary committee.
Four, the National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, is suspended for one month and referred to the disciplinary committee.”
He further clarified that during the suspension period, all four officers would cease to perform their official duties.
> “In the case of the national secretary, pursuant to Section 36(2) of the PDP Constitution, the Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, shall act in that capacity.
For the legal department, the National Director of Legal Services has been directed to oversee its activities during the suspension period,” Ologunagba said.
When asked why the affected members were absent from the meeting, Ologunagba explained that the emergency meeting was properly convened by the party’s National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, who has the constitutional power to summon the NWC under Section 29 of the party’s constitution.
> “The meeting was legally called by the chairman, decisions were taken in line with the constitution, and the NWC acted accordingly,” he emphasized.
On the issue of the court order suspending the upcoming national convention, Ologunagba maintained that the PDP would continue with its internal processes while respecting the rule of law.
> “We are a party that believes in the rule of law and have always complied with court judgments. However, the court did not say the party should cease to exist or stop its internal processes,” he stated.
> “We are disappointed with the ruling, but as a responsible political party, we will continue to uphold due process and protect our democratic institutions,” he added.
The suspensions mark another major internal shake-up within the PDP as it continues to navigate internal disputes ahead of its next convention and upcoming electoral activities.
(NAN)
