Convention: PDP suspends Imo, Abia chairmen, replaces Enugu gov as cttee scribe

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended its chairmen in Imo and Abia states over their alleged involvement in a court action seeking to halt the party’s forthcoming national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State. This came as the party announced Senator Ben Obi as the new Secretary of the […]

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended its chairmen in Imo and Abia states over their alleged involvement in a court action seeking to halt the party’s forthcoming national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

This came as the party announced Senator Ben Obi as the new Secretary of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC), replacing Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, who formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday along with his cabinet members.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, following a meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Ologunagba said the appointment of Senator Obi was approved on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC) as part of efforts to ensure a smooth and credible convention. He commended the NCOC under the chairmanship of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State for its “tireless efforts towards the success of the 2025 National Convention.”

“The NWC calls on all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of the PDP to remain united, steadfast and focused on the successful conduct of the National Convention and the overall progress of our great party,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the PDP State Chairmen Forum has distanced itself from the lawsuit aimed at stopping the Ibadan convention, declaring total support for the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, and the NWC.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, the Forum’s chairman and Edo State PDP chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, announced the suspension of the Imo State Chairman, Austine Nwachukwu, and his Abia counterpart, Amah Abraham Nnana, over their alleged connection to the suit.

Aziegbemi said the chairmen were committed to the unity and stability of the party, urging the NWC to take disciplinary action against any of its members found to be directly or indirectly involved in the litigation.

“We have completely distanced ourselves from the suit and any plan to use it to stop the party from holding its national convention,” Aziegbemi said.

He added, “We want to state clearly that we are behind the Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum-led NWC, and we will give our full support to ensure a hitch-free convention. The evil plot of the APC to turn Nigeria into a one-party state will never succeed. We hope other organs of the party will draw inspiration from our decision. We must all stand firm and make the right choices.”

The PDP’s national convention, set for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, is expected to elect new national officers to steer the party’s affairs ahead of the 2027 general elections.