The Independent National Electoral Commission has confirmed that it has received formal communication from the Peoples Democratic Party concerning disciplinary action taken against four of the party’s senior national officers. Among those affected is the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, alongside three other high-ranking officials.
Also listed in the suspension notice are the National Organising Secretary, Captain Umar Bature (retd.), the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), and the Deputy National Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha. Their suspension adds another major twist to the continuing internal tensions within the opposition party.
The latest development became public through a communiqué issued after an emergency session of the PDP Board of Trustees in Abuja. The party subsequently informed INEC through an official letter, stating that the decision had emerged from the 608th emergency meeting of the National Working Committee.
According to the party, the action was taken over allegations of anti-party conduct, with the leadership relying on several provisions of the PDP Constitution to justify the move. The notice explained that the suspension would remain in force for one month while the matter is subjected to further examination by the National Disciplinary Committee. Gossip News Now reports that the officers are expected to stop performing the functions of their respective offices throughout that period.
To prevent any vacuum in administration, the party directed the Deputy National Secretary, Hon. (Arc.) Setonji Koshoedo, to step in as Acting National Secretary in line with the party’s constitutional provisions. At the same time, the National Director of Legal Services and the National Director of Organisation were assigned temporary oversight of their departments pending further decisions.
The letter sent to INEC carried the signatures of several senior party figures, including Acting National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum, Deputy National Chairman Taofeek Arapaja, Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo, National Treasurer Yayari Ahmed, and National Financial Secretary Woyengikuro Ambrose Daniel. Their endorsement signaled that the move had backing from key elements within the party leadership.
By notifying INEC, the PDP appears to be taking steps to ensure the commission is formally aware of the internal changes affecting its national structure. The communication also reflected the party’s attempt to present the suspensions as part of a broader effort to preserve order, discipline, and institutional integrity during a tense period.
This action comes at a time when the PDP is already grappling with internal disputes, factional accusations, and leadership uncertainty. The suspension of such senior officials is therefore likely to deepen debate within the party, especially as it tries to maintain stability and prepare for future political contests.
Commentary and Analysis
The decision to notify INEC immediately suggests that the PDP understands the seriousness of the suspensions and wants the process to carry administrative and legal weight. It is not merely an internal announcement, but a move meant to establish institutional recognition of the leadership changes.
At the same time, the suspension of four top officials highlights how intense the party’s internal struggle has become. Rather than being limited to ordinary disagreement, the crisis is now affecting key offices central to organisation, legal affairs, and party coordination. That could have wider implications for how effectively the PDP manages its affairs in the months ahead.
© 2025 Gossip News Now, a division of CHIEJOS HARBIAN DIGITAL MEDIA LTD. Contact us via admin@gossipnewsnow.online
