Politics
PDP’s Crisis Deepens, Disciplinary Committee Summons Ortom, Anyanwu, Others
The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated as the party’s National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) has summoned former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and several others to appear before it.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the committee’s chairman, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tom Ikimi, announced that the affected members were expected to appear before the panel on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the Legacy House in Maitama, Abuja.
Biztellers reports that the PDP has been embroiled in internal disputes since the 2023 presidential election, with accusations of party members acting against its interests.
READ MORE: PDP Crisis: Anyanwu Defies Governors, Resumes As National Secretary
Amid growing tensions, the National Working Committee (NWC) established the disciplinary committee on August 21, 2024, to investigate complaints, hear both sides, and recommend actions to the National Executive Committee (NEC).
However, nearly five months later, the crisis has only deepened. A major point of contention is the battle for the position of National Secretary, with both former National Youth Leader Sunday Ude-Okoye and Senator Anyanwu claiming the role.
Despite Ude-Okoye receiving backing from the Board of Trustees, led by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, and the Governors’ Forum, chaired by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, the dispute remains unresolved.
Ikimi disclosed that the disciplinary committee has so far reviewed five petitions, including some against key NWC members.
However, in a bid to support ongoing reconciliation efforts led by the Governors’ Forum and the Board of Trustees, the committee decided to step down three of those petitions.
“The National Disciplinary Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party met on Wednesday, 5th February 2025, at the Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja, in line with its mandate pursuant to Section 57(1) of the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party (as amended in 2017) relating to Party discipline,” the statement read.
“The National Disciplinary Committee considered five (5) petitions received so far; and following a detailed review of the petitions, noted that the first set of petitions were against some key members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
The Committee came to the conclusion that in order not to jeopardize the ongoing reconciliatory efforts of the Governors’ Forum and the Board of Trustees, took a decision to step down those three (3) of the petitions against the top NWC members.”
However, the committee will proceed with the petitions against Ortom, Anyanwu, and ten others.
Both the petitioners and the accused party members have been directed to appear before the committee with their witnesses.
“The second set of petitions which were set down for enquiry are those against former Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Dr. Samuel Ortom and 10 others, and the petition against Distinguished Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
“Accordingly, The National Disciplinary Committee resolved to invite the affected persons to appear before the Committee on Wednesday, 12th February 2025, at the Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja.
“Those expected to attend are the Petitioners and their witnesses on the one hand and the affected party members and their witnesses on the other hand. The required notices have been issued out accordingly.”
Ikimi reiterated the committee’s commitment to restoring order and discipline within the party.
“The Committee reiterates that the National Disciplinary Committee is a constitutionally established Committee that is available to deal with matters brought before it fairly.
“Therefore, all those with genuine grievances against any member of the Party should take advantage of this Standing Committee and follow due process in bringing up their complaints.”
After a series of delays, the House of Representatives ad hoc committee on Rivers State has finally held its much-anticipated meeting with the Sole Administrator of the state, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas.
The meeting, which took place in Abuja, comes as the House exercises its constitutional powers to assume the functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, following the ongoing political crisis in the state.
In his opening remarks, Vice Admiral Ibas apologised for his inability to attend earlier scheduled meetings, citing the need for more time to settle into his new role.
READ ALSO: Ibas Makes First Appearance At NEC Meeting As Rivers Sole Administrator
He told the committee that he is still acclimatising to the demands of his position and appealed for the lawmakers’ understanding as he prepares to provide a detailed briefing.
Shortly after his plea, the session went into a closed-door meeting, with journalists and observers asked to leave.
More to follow………….
Deji Adeyanju, a Nigerian activist and lawyer, has made explosive claims regarding the 2023 presidential election, suggesting that former Labour Party (LP) candidate Peter Obi and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Kwankwaso secretly supported President Bola Tinubu’s campaign.
In a post shared on his 𝕏 page Thursday, Adeyanju contended that Obi, who ran against Tinubu, would likely continue to support the president in future political endeavors.
He expressed certainty that Obi would decline any efforts to form a coalition aimed at challenging Tinubu in the next election.
READ ALSO: Lad Who Stood In Front Of Obi’s Convoy Apprehended For Street Fighting – Police
“I’m 100% convinced that Obi worked for Tinubu in 2023 and will do so again. I might be wrong, but I’m convinced in my mind about this,” Adeyanju wrote.
“Once a businessman, always a businessman. Those still in doubt will see the clear handwriting before 2027. He will refuse to join the coalition,” he continued.
Additionally, Adeyanju accused Kwankwaso of working in favor of Tinubu during the previous election.
He emphasized that for any opposition coalition to succeed in the 2027 race, figures like Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—another presidential hopeful—must step aside.
“For the coalition to succeed, all the self-centered politicians like Atiku & Obi should promise not to run and allow neutral folks to run against Tinubu,” Adeyanju proposed. “This is how to put the interest of the nation above personal interest,” he added.
The activist went on to criticize the culture surrounding Nigerian politics, describing it as an industry driven by opportunism.
He lamented the presence of “merchants” surrounding top politicians, accusing them of putting personal gain ahead of the country’s well-being. “The biggest industry in Africa is politics,” Adeyanju said.
“And those around popular politicians are all merchants. Once politics is around the corner, they are in business. Con men and women who just want to cash out.”
Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, attended his first National Economic Council (NEC) meeting today at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Ibas was appointed to the position by President Bola Tinubu following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in March 2025.
READ MORE: Tinubu Swears In Ibas As Rivers Sole Administrator
The NEC meeting, which is being presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, gathered a number of state governors and deputy governors from across the 36 states of Nigeria to discuss important national economic issues.
Among the notable figures in attendance was Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress.
Governor Oborevwori led the opening prayers at the meeting on the instruction of Vice President Shettima.
Other state governors present included Rev. Fr. Hycinth Alia of Benue State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak of Kwara, Monday Okpebholo of Edo, and Bassey Otu of Cross River, along with several deputy governors.
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