PDP’s Disciplinary Committee Unlikely to Sanction Erring Members Before Convention
The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Disciplinary Committee, set up to address internal strife, is unlikely to take action against erring members before the party’s next convention. This decision comes as the PDP Governors’ Forum has set a February 2025 deadline for the party to convene a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.
According to sources within the party, the committee, chaired by former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tom Ikimi, has opted for a reconciliation approach, following advice from party leaders. This approach aims to avoid deepening divisions within the party and hopes that the upcoming convention will ease out members accused of breaching party rules.
Some party members have questioned the committee’s legitimacy, citing its composition, which does not conform to the party’s amended 2017 constitution. The committee was formed with 26 members, whereas the constitution specifies a committee of seven members.
Supporters of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, had demanded disciplinary action against perceived anti-party activities by some governors, while the governors’ allies called for similar sanctions against Abubakar’s supporters.
However, despite being granted a mandate to investigate petitions and recommend sanctions to the NEC, the committee has remained dormant for three months. No significant progress has been reported, and its activities have been shrouded in secrecy.
Some party members have expressed concerns that the committee’s composition is deliberately biased towards a particular party leader, who has repeatedly stated that no one can suspend him, even daring the party to try. This has led to suspicions that the committee is designed to fail.
On the other hand, two party chieftains have suggested that the committee is being cautious of the consequences of its actions, prioritizing party unity and progress above all else. They believe that the disciplinary committee’s decision to prioritize reconciliation will ease out erring members during the upcoming convention.
With the convention set for next year, party leaders seem to be adopting a wait-and-see approach, putting all agitations on hold until then. If the party sanctions anyone now, it could cause another crisis, and it may be better to wait until the convention where everything will be sorted out.
