ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- State Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have distanced themselves from a lawsuit seeking to halt the party’s forthcoming national convention scheduled for November in Ibadan, Oyo State, declaring their unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of the party.
Speaking on behalf of the PDP State Chairmen Forum in Abuja on Wednesday, the Forum’s Chairman and Edo State PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, condemned the actions of the Imo State PDP Chairman, Hon. Austine Nwachukwu, and his Abia State counterpart, Hon. Amah Abraham Nnana, describing their conduct as detrimental to the collective interest of the PDP.
After months of internal disputes, the PDP had, during its 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on July 24, resolved to reform and strengthen the party by holding a National Elective Convention in Ibadan, where 19 new members of the National Working Committee (NWC) are to be elected.
However, loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, reportedly dissatisfied with the Umar Damagum-led NWC, have raised concerns over issues involving the South-South zonal leadership, party structures in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau States, as well as the micro-zoning arrangement for the forthcoming convention.
Wike’s camp had cautioned that the planned convention could be jeopardised unless the party reviewed some of its recent decisions. The group subsequently approached the court to restrain the PDP from proceeding with the event.
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The plaintiffs in the case are Hon. Austine Nwachukwu (Imo State PDP Chairman), Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia State PDP Chairman), and Turnah Alabah George (Secretary of the PDP South-South zone).
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has fixed the hearing for Thursday, October 16.
In a statement jointly signed by Dr. Tony Aziegbemi and the Forum’s Secretary, Edward Percy Masha, the PDP State Chairmen Forum condemned the alleged interference of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in PDP affairs, accusing the ruling party of using intimidation and coercion to force PDP leaders to defect.
They described the move as “undemocratic and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.”
The statement read in part: “The Forum expressed grave concern over the activities of certain individuals within the PDP who, allegedly acting in concert with external interests linked to the APC, have been working to derail the party’s National Convention.
“Specifically, the Forum condemned the actions of Hon. Austine Nwachukwu (Imo State) and Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia State), who recently sought a court injunction to halt the convention. Their actions were unanimously described as a betrayal of the party’s unity and collective resolve.”
The Forum consequently resolved to suspend both state chairmen from its membership and appointed Dr. Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo State PDP, as the new Chairman of the PDP State Chairmen Forum.
It also passed a vote of confidence in the National Working Committee (NWC), the PDP Governors’ Forum, and all statutory organs of the party.
The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to working harmoniously with these bodies to rebuild, revitalise, and reposition the PDP as Nigeria’s leading opposition party and credible political alternative.
The chairmen further urged party members and supporters to remain calm and united, pledging full support for the national leadership’s efforts to reposition the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
While addressing journalists, Aziegbemi reaffirmed the Forum’s position, stressing that the suspension of the two erring state chairmen was necessary to protect the integrity of the party.
He said: “Twenty-eight of us were in town yesterday. We deliberated, and the Secretary has told you what we have done. We have suspended those two members from our Forum. We have a new chairman, myself, and we state very clearly that the PDP State Chairmen Forum distances itself from that court case. We condemn it in the strongest terms.
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“We believe that is not the way to go. Some of us cannot be used to bring down this house. The position of the PDP State Chairmen across the 36 states and the FCT is clear.”
Aziegbemi further accused the APC-led Federal Government of plotting to weaken opposition parties and establish a one-party state in Nigeria.
He said: “We draw the attention of Nigerians to the fact that this is a major plot by the APC-led Federal Government to have a one-party state, to weaken all other opposition parties, and to coerce our governors, members of the National Assembly, and state legislators to join them.
“Nigerians should be wary of this clueless APC-led administration. Everything about them is politics, not governance. They are using our members to ensure that the PDP does not have a convention. That is what the court case is about. They do not want the PDP to have a convention or to elect new National Working Committee members.”
Aziegbemi maintained that the APC was avoiding competition because of its “poor governance performance,” noting that Nigerians were prepared to hold the ruling party accountable in 2027.
“They want to disturb us as much as they can,” he said. “But we want to reassure Nigerians that the PDP State Chairmen are with you. We share your pains. Let us all endure the hardship this APC-led administration has brought to our doorstep.
“Sixty million Nigerians go to bed every night hungry, yet the government is focused on stopping the PDP from holding its convention. They are using some of our members as tools to achieve this.”
The Forum also reaffirmed its unwavering support for the NWC under Ambassador Umar Damagum and promised to ensure a smooth and well-organised national convention.
“We state clearly that the Forum of PDP State Chairmen stands solidly behind the National Working Committee led by Ambassador Umar Damagum,” Aziegbemi said.
“Whatever it takes, we as State Chairmen will give the necessary support to ensure a smooth and well-organised convention. We hope other organs of the party will draw inspiration from our decision. We must all stand firm and make the right choices.”