By: Bayero Ade
Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and Senator Samuel Anyanwu have indicated that they will not appear before the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) unless they receive official invitations.
According to Afripost, the NDC, chaired by former Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Ikimi, had scheduled a hearing for Ortom, Anyanwu, and 10 other unnamed party members on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. However, the identities of the remaining individuals remain undisclosed, as both Ikimi and the committee’s secretary, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), have declined to provide details.
The PDP has faced internal turmoil since the 2023 presidential election, with factions accusing one another of undermining the party’s interests. In response, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) established the disciplinary panel on August 21, 2024, to address disputes and recommend actions to the National Executive Committee (NEC).
One of the contentious issues fueling the crisis is the ongoing dispute over the position of National Secretary, with both former National Youth Leader Sunday Ude-Okoye and Senator Anyanwu claiming the seat. While the PDP Governors’ Forum and the Board of Trustees (BoT) have backed Ude-Okoye, the matter remains unresolved.
Speaking through his media aide, Terver Akase, Ortom stated that he was open to appearing before the panel but had yet to receive an official invitation.
“My principal is ready to honor the invitation once it is formally communicated. As a committed party member, he believes in due process,” Akase said.
Similarly, Anyanwu confirmed that he only learned about the panel’s summons through media reports and had not been contacted directly.
“I have not received any formal invitation. However, as a loyal party member, I will comply once I receive one,” he stated.
A senior NWC member, who spoke anonymously, revealed that the invitations had not yet been sent but were expected to be dispatched by Monday. He emphasized that the party was more focused on reconciliation than punitive measures.
“The disciplinary committee understands that we need unity, not division. While discussions will be held on the petitions, the likely outcome will be recommendations for apologies, warnings, or, in some cases, suspensions. Expulsions are unlikely, as the party aims to strengthen its membership rather than lose people,” the source explained.
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