PDP Notifies INEC of Suspension of Four Top Officials Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities

The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened on Tuesday as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the suspension of four of its top national officers over allegations of anti-party activities.

In a letter dated November 4, 2025, and received by INEC the same day, fourteen out of the eighteen members of the PDP’s NWC signed off on the suspension, which the party said was decided during its 608th NWC meeting held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. The letter outlined that the disciplinary action was carried out in line with Sections 57(3), 58(1)(a)(b)(c)(h), and 59(1) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).

The affected officials include Senator Samuel Anyanwu (National Secretary), Hon. Umar Bature (National Organising Secretary), Barrister Kamaldeen Ajibade (National Legal Adviser), and Barrister Okechukwu Osuoha (Deputy National Legal Adviser). According to the party, the suspensions are to last for one month pending further investigation and disciplinary review.

During this suspension period, the affected officers will cease to perform their official functions within the party structure. The NWC stated that in accordance with Section 36(2) of the PDP Constitution, Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo will assume the role of Acting National Secretary, while the National Directors of Legal Services and Organisation will oversee their respective departments until the National Disciplinary Committee concludes its findings and makes further recommendations.

The letter to INEC signifies the party’s intention to maintain institutional order and compliance with its internal regulations despite rising tensions and divisions among its leadership ranks.

However, the suspension immediately sparked fresh controversy within the opposition party. Several factions have openly disagreed over the legitimacy of the decision, deepening the already visible cracks within the PDP leadership. Some members loyal to the suspended officials dismissed the letter to INEC as “dead on arrival,” insisting that Senator Samuel Anyanwu remains the authentic National Secretary and that Alhaji Muhammed Abdul Rahman is the rightful Acting National Chairman of the PDP.

The suspension has also drawn reactions from party members and observers across the country. Many expressed concern over what they described as an endless cycle of factional struggles that have plagued the once-dominant political party since its loss of power at the federal level in 2015. Critics argue that the PDP has yet to recover from the series of internal disputes, defections, and leadership tussles that have weakened its national structure and electoral performance.

Supporters of the suspension, on the other hand, insist that the decision was necessary to instill discipline and uphold party integrity. They argue that unchecked insubordination and alleged collaboration with rival political interests have hindered the PDP’s efforts to present a united front as the 2027 general elections approach.

Analysts note that the timing of the move reflects growing pressure within the PDP to reposition itself as a credible opposition force, especially amid ongoing speculation about alliances, defections, and political maneuvering among key stakeholders. The involvement of figures such as former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, who continues to wield significant influence within the party despite controversies surrounding his loyalty, has further complicated internal dynamics.

Meanwhile, several party elders and stakeholders have reportedly called for calm and dialogue, warning that prolonged infighting could erode public confidence and diminish the PDP’s chances of regaining its footing nationally. Political watchers suggest that the coming weeks will be crucial as the party’s disciplinary committee reviews the allegations and determines whether the suspensions will be lifted or made permanent.

As of press time, INEC had acknowledged receipt of the letter but had yet to issue a formal response or clarification on how the development might affect the party’s administrative recognition or operations.

For now, the PDP remains divided, with rival camps claiming legitimacy. Whether the party can reconcile its factions and emerge stronger—or sink further into disunity—will depend on how its leadership navigates this latest test of internal cohesion and discipline.