The ongoing crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a new turn as some aggrieved party chieftains, including former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, declined to appear before the party’s disciplinary committee led by Chief Tom Ikimi.
Tensions also escalated within the party’s leadership following the Board of Trustees (BoT) decision to recognize Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the party’s national secretary, a move rejected by Southeast stakeholders, who insist that Anyanwu remains in the position.
Resistance Against the Disciplinary Committee
The PDP Disciplinary Committee, mandated to investigate allegations of anti-party activities, relocated its sessions from the party’s national secretariat in Abuja to the Legacy House in Maitama, FCT. The committee has summoned several party members, including Ortom and Anyanwu, to appear on February 12.
However, Ortom dismissed the summons, stating he had not received any formal invitation. His media adviser, Nathaniel Ikyur, criticized the committee for publicizing the issue on social media rather than following due process.
Similarly, sources close to Anyanwu suggest that he may also refuse to appear, further deepening the divisions within the party.
Imo State PDP stakeholders have expressed strong opposition to the BoT’s recognition of Sunday Udeh-Okoye as national secretary, arguing that the board lacks constitutional authority to make such determinations.
Lancelot Obiaku, PDP Publicity Secretary in Imo State, reaffirmed support for Anyanwu, citing a court order that granted him a stay of execution, allowing him to continue in office. Obiaku criticized the BoT’s involvement, alleging that its actions could be politically motivated.
“The PDP constitution does not require Senator Anyanwu to vacate his position while running for governor. The BoT’s decision holds no legal standing and appears to serve external interests,” Obiaku stated.
Chairmanship Dispute Sparks New Tensions
Former PDP National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan has warned of a looming crisis if the party fails to zone the chairmanship position to the Northcentral region.
Ologbondiyan insisted that the Northcentral must produce a substantive chairman following the exit of Senator Iyorchia Ayu. He argued that keeping an acting chairman indefinitely undermines the region’s rightful claim to the position.
“If the PDP fails to address this injustice, the grievances that led to the formation of the G5 faction could resurface, further weakening the party ahead of future elections,” he cautioned.
As internal wranglings persist, the PDP faces a critical moment in determining its unity and direction. With multiple factions pulling in different directions, the party’s leadership will need to navigate these tensions carefully to avoid further fragmentation ahead of upcoming political contests.
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