The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended four of its top national officers following a court order halting the party’s proposed national convention.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party announced the suspension of National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Deputy Legal Adviser Okechukwu Osuoha, and National Organising Secretary Umaru Bature.
According to Ologunagba, the decision emerged from an emergency meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) held at the party’s Legacy House headquarters in Maitama, Abuja. He said the suspension, which would last one month, was made “in line with the provisions of the PDP Constitution” and that the affected officers have been referred to the party’s Disciplinary Committee for further action.
“The NWC, acting under its constitutional powers, resolved to suspend the National Legal Adviser, Deputy Legal Adviser, National Secretary, and National Organising Secretary for one month pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings,” Ologunagba stated.
The development comes on the heels of a ruling by the Federal High Court, Abuja, which restrained the PDP from proceeding with its scheduled national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, slated for November 15–16.
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the matter, issued the restraining order while ruling on a suit challenging the legality of the convention.
However, in a separate statement titled “PDP Planned National Convention Not Vitiated by Court,” the party dismissed the ruling, describing it as “an assault on Nigeria’s democratic process.”
“The judgment does not in any way vitiate our ability to proceed with internal processes and activities leading to the National Convention,” the PDP maintained, citing a recent Supreme Court decision affirming the autonomy of political parties in managing their internal affairs.
The opposition party, therefore, directed all its members, organs, and state chapters to remain focused and continue preparations for the convention despite the legal setback.
