The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended four key officials, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, Deputy Legal Adviser Okechukwu Osuoha, and National Organizing Secretary Umaru Bature, for a period of one month.
The decision followed an emergency NWC meeting in Abuja on Saturday, coming a day after a Federal High Court judgment stopped the party’s planned national convention. PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, who briefed journalists after the meeting, stated that the suspended officials have been referred to the National Disciplinary Committee for further action.
Ologunagba explained that during the suspension period, the affected officials will not perform any of their official duties. He added that, in line with Section 36(2) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), the Deputy National Secretary, Hon. Arc. Setonji Koshoedo, will serve as the acting National Secretary.
Additionally, the National Director of Legal Services has been directed to take charge of the party’s legal department pending further notice, following the suspension of both the National Legal Adviser and his deputy.
On Friday, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja halted the planned 2025 National Convention of the PDP, ruling that the party must first comply with all statutory requirements outlined in its constitution and the Electoral Act before proceeding.
The suit, filed by three aggrieved PDP members, also led the court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting any report or outcome of a PDP convention that fails to follow due process, including party guidelines and regulations.
Justice Omotosho further emphasized that INEC cannot recognize or validate any convention not held in strict compliance with the law, the Electoral Act, and the party’s internal rules.
In response, the PDP rejected the court’s ruling, maintaining that the verdict does not stop it from proceeding with preparations for the national convention. The party directed its organs, members, and state chapters to continue with all activities leading up to the convention.
Ologunagba insisted that the judgment was “an assault on Nigeria’s democratic processes” and reaffirmed that the party’s legal team had been instructed to immediately file an appeal. He stressed that the PDP remains committed to electing new national officers and will pursue all legal avenues to overturn the ruling.
What you should know
The suspension of four top PDP officials underscores growing internal tensions following a court order halting the party’s 2025 National Convention.
Justice James Omotosho’s ruling emphasized strict adherence to the party’s constitution and electoral laws before holding any convention. Despite this, the PDP insists it will continue preparations, describing the verdict as undemocratic and pledging to appeal.
The temporary replacements, including Arc. Setonji Koshoedo as acting National Secretary, are expected to ensure continuity as the party navigates both legal and internal disciplinary challenges.
