Abuja, 2 November 2025 – The National Working Committee (NWC) of Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended four high-ranking officials for one month, citing anti-party activities and breaches of the party’s constitution. The decision, announced following an emergency meeting on Saturday, comes against the backdrop of a court order halting the party’s planned national convention and escalating factional disputes within the opposition party.

The suspended officials include National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), and Deputy National Legal Adviser Okechukwu Osuoha. They have been referred to the National Disciplinary Committee for further investigation. During the suspension period, the officials are barred from performing their duties. In interim arrangements, Deputy National Secretary Hon. Arc. Setonji Koshoedo will act as National Secretary, pursuant to Section 36(2) of the PDP Constitution as amended in 2017. The National Director of Legal Services has been directed to oversee the Legal Department.

PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba stated that the suspensions were necessitated by actions that violated Sections 58 and 59 of the party constitution, including conduct likely to bring the party into disrepute, cause disaffection among members, or disobey lawful directives. While specific offences were not detailed in the official announcement, sources indicate the moves are linked to the officials’ alleged alliances with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and their involvement in recent court actions against the party leadership.

The suspensions follow a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja on Friday, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, which restrained the PDP from holding its national elective convention scheduled for 15-16 November in Ibadan, Oyo State. The court cited violations of the PDP Constitution, the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and guidelines from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Specifically, the judgement highlighted the party’s failure to conduct valid state congresses in 14 states and to provide the required 21-day notice to INEC. The PDP has rejected the ruling, describing it as an “assault on Nigeria’s democratic process” and vowing to proceed with internal preparations, citing a Supreme Court precedent on party autonomy.

The court order was celebrated by Wike and his allies, including the now-suspended Anyanwu, who convened a meeting of PDP stakeholders to hail the judgement as a “victory against lawlessness and impunity.” Attendees included former governors Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Samuel Ortom (Benue), as well as PDP National Vice Chairman (South-South) Dan Orbih. Anyanwu had previously accused some PDP leaders of forging his signature on letters to INEC regarding the convention, an allegation denied by the NWC.

In a swift counter-move, a faction reportedly backed by Wike announced its own suspensions, targeting Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, Deputy National Chairman (South) Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, National Financial Secretary Daniel Woyengikuro, National Youth Leader Mohammed Kadende, and Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo. This faction appointed National Vice-Chairman (North Central) Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman and tasked Director of Publicity Chinwe Nnorom with handling communications. Anyanwu, speaking for the faction, described the actions as steps to restore sanity and discipline, emphasising unity despite the conflicts.

The escalating crisis reflects deep-seated power struggles within the PDP, including disputes over zonal leadership, state structures, and the micro-zoning formula for the convention. Tensions have been building since August, when the party issued reprimands for anti-party activities. Analysts suggest the infighting could undermine the PDP’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, with both sides invoking the judiciary and party rules in their bids for control.