Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and Senator Samuel Anyanwu have stated that they will not appear before the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) unless they receive formal invitations.
The NDC, chaired by former Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Ikimi, had announced that Ortom, Anyanwu, and 10 other unnamed party members were expected to appear before the panel on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
However, the identities of the remaining individuals have not been disclosed, with both Ikimi and the committee’s secretary, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), refusing to provide details.
The PDP has been battling internal conflicts since the 2023 presidential election, with factions accusing each other of undermining the party’s interests.
To address these disputes, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) set up the disciplinary panel on August 21, 2024, to investigate complaints and recommend actions to the National Executive Committee (NEC).
One of the key issues fueling the crisis is the disputed position of National Secretary, with former National Youth Leader Sunday Ude-Okoye and Anyanwu both laying claim to the seat.
While Ude-Okoye has the backing of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and the PDP Governors’ Forum, the matter remains unresolved.
Speaking through his media aide, Terver Akase, Ortom expressed his willingness to appear before the panel but noted that he had yet to receive an official invitation.
“My principal is willing to appear before the panel, but he has not received any formal invitation. As a law-abiding citizen and a dedicated party member, he will honor the invitation once it is officially sent,” Akase stated.
Similarly, Anyanwu confirmed that he had only learned about the panel’s summons through news reports and had not received any official notification.
“I read it in the news, but I have not received any invitation. However, as a loyal and faithful party member, I will honor the invitation once I receive it,” he said.
A senior NWC member, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that invitations had not yet been sent out and suggested that they might be dispatched on Monday.
He added that the party was more focused on reconciliation than on punitive measures.
“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 apologize, issue warnings, and, at worst, face suspensions. Expulsion is unlikely, as we need more members, not fewer,” the source said.
%20National%20Disciplinary%20Committee%20(NDC)%20unless%20they%20receive%20formal%20invitations.){kind=link}