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By Myke Agunwa, Abuja
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended four members of its National Working Committee (NWC), including its National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, for 30 days over alleged anti-party activities.
Also suspended are the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN); Deputy National Legal Adviser, Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha; and National Organizing Secretary, Hon. Umar Bature.
The decision was announced after an emergency NWC meeting held on Saturday at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
Only a day earlier, a Federal High Court in Abuja had stopped the PDP from going ahead with its scheduled national convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. The ex-parte order followed a motion filed by some members loyal to the suspended National Secretary, Senator Anyanwu.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, said the suspensions were in accordance with the provisions of the party’s constitution.
He stated that the decision became necessary after a review of the conduct of some NWC members who had been found to be engaging in activities that violated the principles and discipline of the party.
“You will recall that on August 8, 2025, the party issued a reprimand to members over anti-party activities. Since then, we have observed continued acts that contravene Section 58 of the PDP Constitution, which prohibits any member from engaging in conduct that brings the party into disrepute or causes disaffection among members,” Ologunagba said.
He continued: “The NWC considered these violations carefully and resolved as follows — that the National Legal Adviser, Kamal Ajibade (SAN), the Deputy National Legal Adviser, Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha, the National Organizing Secretary, Hon. Umar Bature, and the National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, be suspended for 30 days and referred to the party’s national disciplinary committee.”
Ologunagba added that during the suspension period, the affected officers would cease to perform their official duties. “In the case of the National Secretary, the Deputy National Secretary, Hon. (Arch.) Setonji Koshedo, shall act in his stead in line with Section 36(2) of our constitution. Similarly, the Director of Legal Services will oversee the legal department until the conclusion of the disciplinary process,” he said.
The PDP spokesperson stressed that the party’s decision was guided purely by internal discipline and not influenced by any political motives.
“This is not about factional loyalty or personal interest. It is about discipline, order, and respect for the constitution of our great party,” he insisted. “No organization can thrive when its members disregard its rules. We are determined to enforce discipline at all levels to restore public confidence in the PDP.”
The suspension of the four NWC members comes amid growing tension over the leadership and direction of the party ahead of its planned national convention.
Meanwhile, Ologunagba appealed for calm among party members and supporters, urging them not to allow the current disagreements to derail the PDP’s efforts to rebuild ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The PDP remains the most viable platform to rescue Nigeria,” he said. “We will not allow distractions or indiscipline to derail our mission. Every member, regardless of status, must submit to the supremacy of the party. Those who err will face the consequences.”
In his reaction, an aide to one of the suspended officers described the development as “a witch-hunt driven by 2027 ambitions,” adding that the affected members would defend themselves before the disciplinary committee.
“The NWC is being selective in its interpretation of anti-party activities. Some of those making these decisions have done worse in the past. We will not be intimidated,” the aide said.
The suspension of Senator Anyanwu, a former Imo governorship candidate and known ally of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has further highlighted the widening gulf between the Wike and Atiku Abubakar camps within the PDP.
Ologunagba maintained that the PDP leadership was committed to unity and reconciliation. “There is no winner or loser in this matter,” he said. “What we are doing is enforcing discipline and protecting the integrity of the PDP as a national institution.”
Meanwhile the embattled National Secretary is yet to respond to the susoension as at the time of filling this report.