The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended four key national officers for alleged involvement in anti-party activities, signaling a major shake-up within the party’s national leadership structure.
The decision was reached during an emergency meeting of the NWC held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in accordance with the provisions of Sections 58 and 59 of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).
Those affected by the suspension include:
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Senator Samuel Anyanwu – National Secretary
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Hon. Umar Bature – National Organizing Secretary
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Barr. Kamaldeen Ajibade – National Legal Adviser
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Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha – Deputy National Legal Adviser
The NWC explained that the suspension of the officers is for an initial period of one month, pending further investigations by the National Disciplinary Committee.
According to a statement issued after the meeting, the suspended officers are to cease functioning in their respective official capacities during the suspension period, while the disciplinary committee conducts a comprehensive review of the allegations against them.
The statement released by the PDP National Publicity Secretary noted that the disciplinary action was taken “to protect the integrity of the party, ensure adherence to internal democratic processes, and uphold party discipline as enshrined in the PDP Constitution.”
It further stressed that the party leadership would not tolerate any act of disloyalty or conduct capable of undermining its unity and electoral prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The NWC’s decision followed careful consideration of reports and petitions against the affected officers for acts that contravene the provisions of Sections 58(1)(b), (f), and (h) of the PDP Constitution relating to conduct detrimental to the interest of the party and activities that bring the party into disrepute,” the statement read.
The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing internal discipline and maintaining organizational coherence across all levels of leadership, warning that any member found guilty of anti-party activities would face appropriate sanctions.
Following the suspension, the NWC announced interim measures to ensure the smooth operation of the affected offices.
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For the National Secretary position:
Pursuant to Section 36(2) of the PDP Constitution, the Deputy National Secretary, Hon. Arc. Setonji Koshoedo, has been appointed to act as National Secretary pending the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings. -
For the National Legal Adviser and Deputy National Legal Adviser:
The National Director of Legal Services has been directed to oversee the activities of the Department of Legal Services during the suspension period.
These temporary arrangements, according to the party, are designed to prevent administrative disruptions and ensure that the PDP continues to function effectively.
The latest development comes amid growing tension within the PDP’s national leadership following months of internal disagreements, particularly over alleged disloyalty of some top officials and the party’s future political direction.
Party insiders revealed that the suspended officials had been accused of engaging in activities considered inimical to the collective interest of the PDP, including holding unauthorised meetings and allegedly supporting rival political alignments ahead of the next election cycle.
Sources at the PDP secretariat hinted that the decision to suspend the officers followed multiple petitions and intelligence reports submitted to the NWC. The leadership, according to the source, had earlier attempted to resolve the matter through reconciliation but opted for disciplinary action after evidence of misconduct allegedly became overwhelming.
The suspension has triggered mixed reactions within PDP circles. Some party members have commended the NWC for taking decisive action to enforce discipline, while others described the move as politically motivated.
A member of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC), who spoke anonymously, said the decision was necessary to send a strong message that “no one is above the party’s constitution.”
“This is a party of rules, not personalities. Anyone found to be working against our collective interest must face the consequences,” the NEC member said.
However, supporters of some of the suspended officials argue that the action may deepen divisions within the PDP ahead of its planned national convention. They claim the suspensions are part of a larger political battle over control of the party structure as it prepares for 2027.
Political analysts have described the suspension as a critical test of the PDP’s internal cohesion. With the party still struggling to recover from post-election losses and leadership disputes, observers believe that how the issue is handled could determine its chances of regaining national relevance.
Dr. Aisha Bello, a political scientist at the University of Abuja, said the move reflects the PDP’s struggle to maintain order amid factional pressures.
“Every major political party faces internal strife, especially after an electoral defeat. The difference lies in how discipline and unity are managed. If the PDP handles this properly, it may emerge stronger; if not, it could escalate into another leadership crisis,” she said.
Another analyst, Mr. John Ogundele, noted that the temporary suspension of the National Secretary—one of the most strategic offices in the party—could affect coordination at the national secretariat, especially in the run-up to the PDP’s mid-term review meetings.
The National Disciplinary Committee is expected to begin its investigation into the allegations immediately. The committee will review all evidence presented, invite the affected officers to defend themselves, and submit its findings to the NWC within the one-month suspension period.
Depending on the outcome of the probe, the suspended officers could either be reinstated, further sanctioned, or expelled from the party if found guilty of violating party rules.
Party members and stakeholders are now watching closely to see how the process unfolds, as it could either mend or further strain internal relations within the PDP hierarchy.
Despite the ongoing crisis, the NWC assured members and supporters that the PDP remains united and committed to its founding ideals of democracy, justice, and inclusivity.
The statement concluded:
“The National Working Committee reiterates that the PDP remains the party of hope for Nigerians and will continue to reposition itself as the credible alternative to the current administration. The disciplinary measures are aimed at strengthening the party and ensuring adherence to its constitution and ethics.”
As the party prepares for its next national convention and the upcoming electoral cycle, political observers say the latest disciplinary action could either reaffirm the PDP’s commitment to internal order or expose deeper fissures within its ranks.
