LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Tensions inside the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have escalated, with the faction backed by Nyesom Wike denying claims that Senator Samuel Anyanwu was ever suspended from the party.
In a statement issued on Saturday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Jungudo Mohammed, speaking under the leadership of Abdurahman Mohammed, said reports linking Anyanwu’s appeal to a suspension were false and misleading.
He explained that although the senator filed a legal appeal, it had nothing to do with any disciplinary action.
Meanwhile, the PDP continues to struggle with a long-running internal crisis that has split the party into rival camps, widening divisions ahead of key political contests.
One group, led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN), is supported by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauch State Governor Bala Mohammed. The opposing bloc, aligned with Mohammed and Anyanwu, has the backing of Wike.
Amid the dispute, both factions have turned to the courts to strengthen their positions. On April 16, Anyanwu filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, challenging a previous ruling by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
The lower court had dismissed his suit and upheld his recommended expulsion from the party.
The appeal, dated April 10, 2026, contests the judgment delivered on January 12, 2026, by Justice Yusuf Halilu in a case filed at the FCT High Court.
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At the same time, the Turaki-led faction has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking to withdraw recognition from the Mohammed/Anyanwu faction, including those aligned with Wike. This move has sparked mixed reactions among party supporters.
However, Mohammed insisted that no valid suspension ever took place.
He clarified that the Tom Ikimi-led disciplinary panel only made a recommendation, which was never approved by the party’s top decision-making bodies.
In his words, “The party categorically states that these reports are misleading and lack proper context. While it is true that Senator Anyanwu filed an appeal, it is important to clarify that the appeal was not against any suspension. The suit, which was first initiated at the FCT High Court, Abuja, was a case filed to challenge the competence and proceedings of the Disciplinary Committee previously chaired by Mr Tom Ikimi, who has since left the PDP. It must be emphasized that the Tom Ikimi Disciplinary Committee merely recommended a suspension. This recommendation was never considered, adopted, or ratified by either the National Working Committee or the National Executive Committee of the Party. As such, it had no binding effect, and no valid suspension existed at any time.”
Continuing, “Furthermore, the said Disciplinary Committee and its recommendations had long been jettisoned by the Party’s leadership after it was determined that the committee was constituted in violation of Chapter 10, Article 57(1) of the Party’s Constitution. Accordingly, there was no valid or effective suspension at any time. For the avoidance of doubt, the judgment of the FCT High Court delivered by Justice Halilu in January 2026 did not affirm any suspension, as that was never the issue before the court.”
He added that the court dismissed the case because it lacked jurisdiction, ruling that party disciplinary matters are internal issues beyond judicial review. Notably, the party urged members, supporters and the public to ignore what it described as distorted reports meant to create confusion within its ranks.
Political observers say the dispute highlights deeper divisions that could shape the party’s stability in the months ahead.
“In light of these facts, the appeal, which was inadvertently filed on April 10th, 2026, has now been directed to be immediately withdrawn as it is no longer necessary… Also, the Abuja National Convention held on March 29 and 30, 2026, was conducted with full legal backing, in line with valid judgments of both the High Court and the Court of Appeal, and was duly monitored by INEC,” he concluded.
