The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended four of its top national officers, including the National Legal Adviser, National Secretary, Deputy Legal Adviser, and National Organizing Secretary, for one month.
Those affected are Kamaldeen Ajibade (National Legal Adviser), Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary), Okechukwu Osuoha (Deputy Legal Adviser), and Umaru Bature (National Organizing Secretary).
The decision followed an emergency meeting of the NWC held in Abuja on Saturday, a day after the Federal High Court in Abuja stopped the party’s planned 2025 National Convention.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the suspended officials had been referred to the National Disciplinary Committee for further action.
“During the suspension period, they will cease to perform duties in their respective capacities,” Ologunagba stated.
He explained that under Section 36(2) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), the Deputy National Secretary, Hon. Setonji Koshoedo, would act as National Secretary pending the conclusion of the disciplinary process.
Similarly, the National Director of Legal Services has been directed to oversee the Legal Department in the absence of the Legal Adviser and Deputy Legal Adviser.
Court halts PDP convention
On Friday, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, restrained the PDP from proceeding with its planned National Convention until it complies with the provisions of its Constitution, the Electoral Act, and other relevant laws.
The ruling followed a suit filed by three party members — Austin Nwachukwu, Amah Nnanna, and Turnah George — challenging the planned convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Justice Omotosho also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or accepting the outcome of any PDP convention not conducted in line with due process.
PDP rejects verdict
Reacting to the judgment, the PDP insisted that the ruling did not stop it from continuing preparations for its convention.
Ologunagba described the verdict as “an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process” and confirmed that the party’s legal team had been directed to file an appeal.
“The judgment does not vitiate our ability to proceed with activities toward electing new national officers,” he said.
“Our party remains committed to the rule of law and internal democracy and will pursue all legal means to protect its integrity.”
