State Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party have distanced themselves from a court action instituted to stop the party’s forthcoming Nati...
State Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party have distanced themselves from a court action instituted to stop the party’s forthcoming National Convention slated to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November, saying they remain committed to the unity and progress of the PDP.
Speaking to journalists on behalf of the PDP Chairmen’s Forum in Abuja on Wednesday, the Forum’s Chairman and Edo State PDP Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, condemned the conduct of Austine Nwachukwu (Imo) and Amah Abraham Nnana (Abia).
After months of internal disputes, the PDP, during its 101st National Executive Committee meeting on July 24, resolved to reform and strengthen the party by holding a National Elective Convention in Ibadan, where 19 new members of the National Working Committee (NWC) are to be elected.
However, loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have expressed displeasure with the Umar Damagum-led NWC over issues surrounding the South-South zonal leadership, party structures in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau States, as well as the micro-zoning arrangement for the convention.
Wike’s camp has warned that the planned convention could be jeopardized if the party fails to review some of its recent decisions. The group has already approached the court seeking to stop the convention.
The plaintiffs in the case are Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, Chairman of the PDP in Imo State; Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna, Chairman of the PDP in Abia State; and Turnah Alabah George, Secretary of the PDP South-South Zone.
Meanwhile, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has fixed Thursday, October 16, for hearing in the matter.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Aziegbemi, and Secretary, Edward Percy Masha, the PDP State Chairmen’s Forum condemned the All Progressives Congress for allegedly using intimidation and coercion to force PDP leaders to defect, describing the move as undemocratic and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
The statement read in part, “The Forum expressed grave concern over the activities of certain individuals within the PDP who, allegedly acting in concert with external interests linked to the APC, have been working to derail the party’s National Convention.
“Specifically, the Forum condemned the actions of Hon. Austine Nwachukwu (Imo State) and Hon. Amah Abraham Nnana (Abia State), who recently sought a court injunction to halt the convention. Their actions were unanimously described as a betrayal of the party’s unity and collective resolve.
“Consequently, the Forum resolved to suspend both members from the body and appointed Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo State PDP, as the new Chairman of the PDP State Chairmen’s Forum.
“The Forum passed a vote of confidence in the National Working Committee (NWC), the PDP Governors’ Forum, and all statutory organs of the party. It reaffirmed its commitment to work harmoniously with these organs in rebuilding, revitalizing, and repositioning the PDP as Nigeria’s credible alternative and leading political force.”
The Forum urged members and supporters to remain calm and united, pledging support for the national leadership’s efforts to reposition the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Aziegbemi, while announcing the suspension of the state chairmen who took the party to court, urged the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee to sanction any member involved, directly or indirectly, in the case.
He stated, “Twenty-eight of us were in town yesterday. We deliberated, and the Secretary has told you what we have done. We have suspended those two members from our Forum. We have a new chairman, myself, and we state very clearly that the PDP State Chairmen’s Forum distances itself from that court case. We condemn it in the strongest terms.
“We believe that is not the way to go. Some of us cannot be used to bring down this house. The position of the PDP State Chairmen across the 36 states and the FCT is clear.
“We draw the attention of Nigerians to the fact that this is a major plot by the APC-led Federal Government to create a one-party state, to weaken all other opposition parties, and to coerce our governors, members of the National Assembly, and state legislators to join them.
“Nigerians should be wary of this clueless APC-led administration. Everything about them is politics, not governance. They are using our members to ensure that the PDP does not have a convention. That is what the court case is about. They do not want the PDP to have a convention or to elect new National Working Committee members.”
He claimed that the APC is avoiding competition due to its poor governance record, adding that Nigerians are ready to hold them accountable in 2027.
The Chairman of the PDP State Chairmen’s Forum continued, “They want to disturb us as much as they can, but we want to reassure Nigerians that the PDP State Chairmen are with you. We share your pains. Let us all endure the hardship this APC-led administration has brought to our doorstep.
“Sixty million Nigerians go to bed every night hungry, yet the government is focused on stopping the PDP from holding its convention. They are using some of our members as tools to achieve this.
“We state clearly that the Forum of PDP State Chairmen stands solidly behind the National Working Committee led by Ambassador Umar Damagum. Whatever it takes, we as State Chairmen will give the necessary support to ensure a smooth and well-organized convention.
“We hope other organs of the party will draw inspiration from our decision. We must all stand firm and make the right choices.”
A major crack, however, appears to be widening within the Peoples Democratic Party as its Northern Support Group has accused some members of the National Working Committee of secretly working to derail the forthcoming National Convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a hard-hitting statement on Wednesday in Sokoto, the group alleged that certain national officers — including the National Secretary, National Legal Adviser, and National Organising Secretary — were “conniving to frustrate” the convention through what it described as “sponsored court distractions and internal sabotage.”
The group further accused former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and his loyalists of masterminding the fresh wave of internal crisis aimed at weakening the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Their support for the unnecessary litigation at the Federal High Court, Abuja, is another clear indication of the plan by Nyesom Wike and his loyalists to destroy what remains of the party’s strength through incessant court actions,” said the group’s coordinator, Hon. Yusuf Abubakar.
He described the situation as “a dangerous distraction” from genuine efforts to rebuild the PDP, adding that it betrays the collective will of millions of members yearning for a credible opposition capable of defending Nigeria’s democracy.
The group warned that dragging the party’s internal matters to court by some leaders in Abia and Imo States, with alleged backing from NWC members, was “a disservice and betrayal of trust,” urging stakeholders to respect internal conflict-resolution mechanisms.
“The National Convention remains the highest decision-making organ of our party,” Abubakar emphasized. “It is a crucial step toward restoring unity, rebuilding trust, and repositioning the PDP for victory.”
The Northern PDP Support Group also took a swipe at former National Youth Leader, Hon. Udeh Okoye, accusing him of waging a media war against the party after defecting to the All Progressives Congress.
“We advise Hon. Okoye to stop his lies and propaganda against the PDP. Since he has chosen to pitch tent with the APC, he should focus on his new political home rather than sowing discord in ours,” the statement added.
The group further urged Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and others accused of “harbouring enmity” against the PDP to “focus on governance rather than political mischief.”
Despite the turbulence, the group expressed confidence in the leadership of Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, the acting National Chairman, and pledged full support for the Ibadan Convention, which it described as “a defining moment for party renewal.”
“Our party will come out stronger and united after the Ibadan Convention, without fear or intimidation,” Abubakar declared.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
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