The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended four senior officials of the party, including its National Secretary, Mr. Samuel Anyanwu, over alleged infractions and internal disputes.
A statement issued by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, on Saturday in Abuja, said the suspension takes immediate effect and will last for an initial period of one month pending the outcome of a disciplinary process.
Others affected by the suspension are the National Legal Adviser, Mr. Kamaldeen Ajibade; Deputy Legal Adviser, Mr. Okechukwu Osuoha; and National Organising Secretary, Mr. Umaru Bature.
“During this period, they cease to function in their respective official capacities,” Ologunagba said.
He added that the Deputy National Secretary, Mr. Setonji Koshoedo, will serve as Acting National Secretary, while the Deputy Legal Adviser will act in place of the suspended National Legal Adviser.
The development comes amid growing internal crisis in the party and a recent court ruling restraining the PDP from holding its planned national convention earlier scheduled for Nov. 15 and 16.
A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, had on Friday ordered the PDP to halt preparations for the convention, citing irregularities in state congresses and non-compliance with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.
The court also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising any outcome of the proposed convention pending compliance with the ruling.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that tension has continued to mount within the party following a disagreement between Ajibade and the PDP National Chairman, Mr. Umar Damagum, over the appointment of legal counsel during an earlier court session on Oct. 14.
Anyanwu, who is believed to be an ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, had recently accused the party of forging his signature on documents submitted to INEC, a claim the NWC and the Board of Trustees have denied.
The PDP, which governed Nigeria between 1999 and 2015, has been battling to restore internal cohesion and reposition itself as the main opposition ahead of future elections.