The protracted crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a new turn on Saturday as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) suspended four key national officers for alleged anti-party activities and breach of the party’s constitution.
Those affected include the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; the National Organising Secretary, Honourable Umar Bature; the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN); and the Deputy National Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha.
The decision, according to the party, followed deliberations during an emergency NWC meeting held at the PDP’s Legacy House in Maitama, Abuja, where members resolved that the affected officials be suspended for one month pending the outcome of investigations by the National Disciplinary Committee.
The suspension comes barely 24 hours after a Federal High Court in Abuja stopped the party’s planned National Elective Convention, which was scheduled to hold on November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Announcing the decision, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Honourable Debo Ologunagba, said the suspensions were in line with the party’s constitution and were necessitated by multiple infractions allegedly committed by the officials.
“The NWC, in line with the party’s constitution, came to the following conclusion: the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN); Deputy Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha; National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; and National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, have been suspended for one month and referred to the PDP Disciplinary Committee.”
He explained that the suspended officers were accused of acts capable of bringing the party into disrepute and undermining its unity, particularly at a time when the PDP is grappling with internal challenges and legal battles.
According to a statement issued by the party, “During this period of the suspension, they cease to function in their respective capacities.”
The NWC further directed that Honourable Arc. Setonji Koshoedo, the Deputy National Secretary, would act as National Secretary in accordance with Section 36(2) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).
Similarly, the National Director of Legal Services has been mandated to oversee the affairs of the Legal Department pending the resolution of the matter involving the National Legal Adviser and his deputy.
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