The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened further this week, as the party’s National Disciplinary Committee (NDC), chaired by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Ikimi, issued summons for prominent party members, including former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and Senator Samuel Anyanwu. These individuals, alongside others, have been invited to appear before the Committee on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the Legacy House in Maitama, Abuja.
The PDP has faced escalating internal strife since the aftermath of the 2023 presidential election, with tensions rising as party members accuse each other of undermining the party’s interests. This ongoing conflict has sparked calls for disciplinary actions against those perceived as responsible for destabilizing the party.
In response, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) established a disciplinary committee in August 2024, tasked with investigating complaints, hearing all sides, and making recommendations to the National Executive Committee. However, despite nearly five months of deliberations, the rift within the party continues to intensify.
A key point of contention is the battle for the position of National Secretary, with both former National Youth Leader Sunday Ude-Okoye and Samuel Anyanwu claiming the role. While Ude-Okoye has been endorsed by the PDP Board of Trustees, headed by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, and the Governors Forum under Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, the controversy remains unresolved.
In a statement released to the press on Thursday, Ikimi confirmed that the NDC had reviewed five petitions submitted thus far. According to the statement, the committee had considered petitions involving several high-ranking members of the National Working Committee (NWC). However, the committee decided to temporarily set aside three petitions involving top NWC members in order not to interfere with the ongoing reconciliation efforts spearheaded by the Governors Forum and the Board of Trustees.
The remaining petitions, including those against Ortom, Anyanwu, and several others, will be subject to further inquiry. The disciplinary committee has now called on the affected parties, as well as their respective witnesses, to appear before the committee on February 12, 2025, at the Legacy House.
Ikimi reassured party members that the NDC is committed to maintaining discipline and upholding the party’s integrity. He urged anyone with genuine grievances to utilize the committee’s platform and follow the established process to resolve conflicts fairly.
Despite these efforts, the internal division continues to tarnish the PDP’s image and influence, raising concerns over the party’s ability to unite ahead of future electoral challenges.
