The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has summoned former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, and its embattled National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, to appear before its Disciplinary Committee over petitions filed against them by party members.
The chairman of the committee, Tom Ikimi, confirmed in a statement that the invitations were in line with the committee’s mandate under Section 57(1) of the party’s Constitution.
“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 jeopardise the ongoing reconciliatory efforts of the Governors’ Forum and the Board of Trustees, it took a decision to step down three (3) of the petitions against the top NWC members,” Ikimi said.
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However, the petitions against Ortom and Anyanwu, along with 10 others, were set for enquiry.
BusinessDay investigations indicate that Anyanwu’s case relates to his insistence on remaining as the PDP’s National Secretary despite a resolution by the South-East zone favouring Sunday Udeokoye for the position.
Anyanwu had stepped down from the position to contest the Imo State governorship ticket, which he won but later lost in the main election to incumbent Governor Hope Uzodinma.
Following his defeat, he insisted on retaining his position, creating a factional crisis within the party.
The tension escalated recently when thugs stormed the Wadata Plaza national secretariat to disrupt a Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting, reportedly attempting to prevent Udeokoye’s participation until security forces intervened.
The Disciplinary Committee has summoned the affected individuals to appear before it on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja.
Ikimi reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to upholding discipline within the party, urging members to follow due process in addressing grievances.
“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,” he stated.
