As internal conflicts continue to rock the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the 2023 presidential election, the party’s National Disciplinary Committee has summoned former Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and ten others to appear before it.
The committee, chaired by former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi, announced in a statement on Thursday that the affected individuals must appear before the panel on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the Legacy House in Maitama, Abuja.
Since the 2023 elections, the PDP has been grappling with internal strife, with some members accusing others of working against the party’s interests. This has led to calls for disciplinary measures to restore order within the party.
According to the statement, the committee received five petitions, including some against key members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
However, in an effort to support ongoing reconciliation efforts led by the PDP Governors’ Forum and the Board of Trustees, three of these petitions were stepped down.
The remaining two petitions, involving Ortom, Anyanwu, and others, will be investigated, and both the petitioners and the accused members have been directed to present their cases before the committee.
Ikimi reassured party members that the committee remains committed to fairness and due process in handling disciplinary matters.
“The National Disciplinary Committee is a constitutionally established body available to address complaints fairly. We encourage members with genuine grievances to follow due process and engage with the committee,” the statement read in part.
The statement read “The National Disciplinary Committee of the Peoples Democratic party met on Wednesday, 5th February 2025 at the Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja in line with its mandate pursuant to Section 57(1) of the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party (as amended in 2017) relating to Party discipline.
“The National Disciplinary Committee considered five (5) petitions received so far; and following a detailed review of the petitions, noted that the first set of petitions were against some key members of the National Working Committee (NWC). The Committee came to the conclusion that in order not to jeopardize the ongoing reconciliatory efforts of the Governors’ Forum and the Board of Trustees, took a decision to step down those three (3) of the petitions against the top NWC members.
“The second set of petitions which were set down for enquiry are those against former Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Dr. Samuel Ortom and 10 others and the petition against Distinguished Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
“Accordingly, The National Disciplinary Committee resolved to invite the affected persons to appear before the Committee on Wednesday, 12th February 2025 at the Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja. Those expected to attend are the Petitioners and their witnesses on the one hand and the affected party members and their witnesses on the other hand. The required notices have been issued out accordingly.”
Ikimi guaranteed that the National Disciplinary Committee is dedicated to maintaining discipline within the Party and reinstating its integrity.
It read in part, “The Committee reiterates that the National Disciplinary Committee is a constitutionally established Committee that is available to deal with matters brought before it fairly. Therefore, all those with genuine grievances against any member of the Party should take advantage of this Standing Committee and follow due process in bringing up their complaints.”
