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PDP’s Crisis Deepens, Disciplinary Committee Summons Ortom, Anyanwu, Others

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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.”

 

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NDC Condemns Attack on Members in Enugu, Accuses APC of Sponsoring Thugs

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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned an alleged attack on its members during a peaceful grassroots meeting in Obuoffia Ward, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.

In a statement issued on Monday, September 14, 2026, the party described the incident as an “unprovoked and dastardly attack” and alleged that its members had been repeatedly targeted by state-sponsored thugs.

SEE MORE: 2027 Election: Obi–Kwankwaso Group Warns of Plot to Divide NDC in Enugu

The NDC said its members, as a registered political party, have a constitutional right to participate in the democratic process through peaceful assembly.

“This incessant assault on our members by state-sponsored thugs must stop,” the party said.

“No amount of intimidation will silence this constitutionally guaranteed right.”

The party alleged that the violence against its members in Enugu and other parts of the South-East amounted to an attack on democracy and the freedom of association guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.

The NDC also accused security agencies of being complacent and slow to respond to attacks against opposition members in Enugu and across the South-East.

“We also condemn the complacency and lackadaisical attitude of the security agencies towards the opposition in Enugu and across the South-East,” the statement read.

According to the party, the alleged failure of security agencies to act promptly had emboldened those behind the attacks.

The NDC further claimed that it had previously suffered two attacks in Imo State during a town hall meeting and consultation involving its senatorial candidate, Uche Onyeagocha.

The party alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu was “jittery and disturbed” by what it described as the growing momentum of the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

However, the party vowed to continue its political activities despite the alleged attacks.

“The NDC will not be cowed. We will continue to organise, mobilise, and defend the democratic space,” it said.

The party also called on security agencies to immediately investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible, including their alleged sponsors, are brought to justice.

“If the goal of those sponsoring these thugs and attacks is to instil fear in the hearts of the people, they have failed woefully,” the NDC said.

It added that the incident would instead strengthen its resolve to mobilise support for the party and its candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

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2027: I’ll Pay ₦500,000 Monthly Living Wage If Elected — Sowore Tells Nigerians

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African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has promised to introduce a ₦500,000 monthly living minimum wage for Nigerian workers if elected president in 2027.

Sowore disclosed this in an interview with Independent Newspaper on Sunday, as he outlined his economic agenda ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

SEE MORE: Defamation Trial Takes Twist as Sowore Withdraws DSS DG Subpoena

He said the proposed wage would address the economic hardship facing Nigerian workers and reduce the gap between ordinary citizens and political office holders.

“We intend to change that fundamentally. We are proposing a ₦500,000 monthly living minimum wage because Nigerian workers cannot continue receiving starvation wages while senators, governors and political appointees consume millions every month,” Sowore said.

The AAC candidate said the wage proposal was part of a broader plan to ensure that Nigeria’s wealth benefits ordinary Nigerians.

He also promised to deliver 24-hour electricity, arguing that reliable power was necessary for economic growth and industrial development.

“We will deliver 24-hour electricity because no serious industrial economy can operate permanently on generators,” he said.

Sowore further pledged to make education free and accessible at all levels, construct one million public mixed-income homes, reform tenancy laws, improve healthcare and expand agricultural production and processing.

On the economy, he said his administration would focus on raising wages, reducing transportation and energy costs, supporting domestic manufacturing and agriculture, and investing in productive infrastructure.

“Economic policy must answer one basic question. Does it improve the material condition of the Nigerian people? If it does not, it has failed,” Sowore said.

He also promised an “uncompromising war against corruption” and vowed to recover public resources stolen by political office holders.

Sowore, who is contesting the presidency for the third time, said he believed AAC had a stronger chance in the 2027 election, with Nigerians serving as the party’s greatest strength.

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Fayemi Urges Nigerian Catholics to Take Active Role in 2027 Elections

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Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has urged Nigerian Catholics to become more actively involved in politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that faith should extend beyond the church into the public square.

Fayemi made the call while delivering a lecture titled “Faith in Action: Empowering the Catholic Laity for Active Political Participation Ahead of the 2027 General Elections” at the September Plenary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Our Lady and St. Kizito Pastoral Centre, Ede, Osun State.

SEE MORE: 2027: Peter Obi Reveals Tinubu Policy He Will Keep If Elected President

He argued that Christians should reject the notion that politics is inherently a “dirty game,” describing political participation as both a responsibility and an avenue to serve the common good.

According to him, Nigerian Catholics should register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards, study candidates and their programmes, participate in election monitoring, support credible candidates and hold elected officials accountable.

Fayemi also urged citizens to resist vote-buying, electoral violence and other forms of malpractice while assessing political programmes based on their impact on poverty, unemployment, education, healthcare, security, justice, families and vulnerable Nigerians.

He stressed the need for structured political formation within the Catholic Church, particularly for young people, covering areas such as Catholic Social Teaching, the Constitution, electoral laws, leadership ethics, human rights and media literacy.

The former governor, however, cautioned against turning the Church into an electoral machine for any political party, noting that Catholics could belong to different parties as long as their positions remained compatible with faith and moral principles.

Fayemi linked his own pro-democracy activism and public service to Catholic social engagement, citing initiatives implemented during his tenure as Ekiti governor, including free healthcare for the elderly, pregnant women and children, as well as monthly stipends for senior citizens.

He said the 2027 elections should be viewed as an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy, adding that the objective should not simply be to produce more Catholic politicians but to form politically conscious, morally courageous and competent Catholic citizens committed to the common good.

“Faith must not remain in the sanctuary,” Fayemi said, stressing that politics remains a noble vocation of service when approached with integrity and responsibility.

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