PDP suspends National Secretary, Legal Advisers, Organising Secretary

The leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened on Saturday as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) announced the suspension of several top officials over alleged anti-party activities.

Those affected include the National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu; the National Organising Secretary, Hon. Umar Bature; and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), among others.

PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, who disclosed this after the NWC’s 608th meeting in Abuja, said the officials were each handed a 30-day suspension pending investigation by the party’s National Disciplinary Committee.

“National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, National Organizing Secretary, Hon. Umar Bature, National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, and Deputy National Legal Adviser, Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha, are suspended for one month and referred to the National Disciplinary Committee. During this period, they cease to function in their respective capacities,” Ologunagba announced.

He added that, in line with the PDP constitution, the Deputy National Secretary, Arc. Setonji Koshoedo, will serve as Acting National Secretary.

Meanwhile, the National Director of Legal Services has been directed to oversee the legal department in the absence of the suspended legal officers.

According to the party, the decision followed credible allegations of misconduct and actions deemed inimical to the unity and integrity of the PDP.

The development comes barely 24 hours after a Federal High Court in Abuja restrained the party from proceeding with its planned National Convention slated for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State — a ruling that has further fueled internal tensions.

The suspensions mark another chapter in the PDP’s ongoing leadership tussle, which has seen repeated disputes between factions loyal to different power blocs within the opposition party.