The deepening crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took another dramatic turn on Saturday as the National Working Committee (NWC) announced the suspension of four top party officials reportedly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Those suspended include the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, and the Deputy National Legal Adviser.
Announcing the decision after a marathon NWC meeting at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, said the suspension was with immediate effect and would last for one month pending the outcome of a disciplinary review.
“The National Working Committee, after careful deliberation, has resolved to suspend the affected officers for a period of one month and refer them to the Disciplinary Committee for further action,” Ologunagba stated.
He added that the decision was taken in line with the party’s constitution and aimed at restoring order and discipline within the ranks.
Sources within the party said the affected officials, all seen as allies of Wike, had in recent months distanced themselves from party meetings and activities, deepening internal divisions within the PDP.
This latest development comes amid mounting tension over the party’s planned national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
On Friday, a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the PDP to halt preparations for the convention, ruling that internal disputes over delegates and leadership must first be resolved.
Reacting to the ruling, Ologunagba said the party would appeal the judgement, insisting that it would not derail its preparations.
“The PDP respects the judiciary, but we will challenge this ruling at the appellate court. Our preparations for the national convention remain on course,” he stated.
