Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and Senator Samuel Anyanwu have declared that they will not appear before the National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) unless they receive official invitations.
The NDC, led by former Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Ikimi, had announced that Ortom, Anyanwu, and 10 other unnamed party members are expected to appear before the committee on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. However, the identities of the other 10 individuals remain shrouded in mystery, with Ikimi and the committee’s secretary, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), refusing to give details.
The PDP has been grappling with internal conflicts since the 2023 presidential election, with factions trading accusations of undermining the party’s interests. In response, the PDP’s National Working Committee established the disciplinary committee on August 21, 2024, to address complaints and recommend actions to the National Executive Committee.
Recently, the crisis in the party has increased in number. At the heart of the recent crisis is the contentious position of National Secretary, with both former National Youth Leader Sunday Ude-Okoye and Anyanwu staking their claims. While Ude-Okoye enjoys the backing of the Board of Trustees and the PDP Governors’ Forum, the conflict remains unresolved.
Ortom, speaking through his media aide Terver Akase, expressed his willingness to appear before the panel, but said that he has yet to receive an official invitation.
“My principal is willing to appear before the panel, but the issue is that he is yet to be officially invited. As a law-abiding citizen and patriotic party man, he will honour the panel’s invitation once he receives it,” Akase said.
Anyanwu echoed similar sentiments, stating that he would attend the proceedings once he receives formal notification.
“I read it in the news. I have not received any invitation. But as a loyal and faithful party member, when I receive their letter, I will honour it,” he said.
Meanwhile, an anonymous senior NWC member revealed that no invitations have been sent out yet.
“I am not sure if Anyanwu, Ortom, or any of the other unnamed 10 have been invited. Maybe they will send the invitations on Monday. But the PDP is more focused on reconciliation than on sanctions,” the source said.
“The NDC leaders know they cannot be too harsh on any member because we need unity. While they will discuss the petitions, they are more likely to recommend that some individuals apologise, issue warnings, and, at worst, face suspensions. Expulsion is unlikely, as we need more members, not fewer.”