As the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party deepens, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who were reportedly summoned by the National Disciplinary Committee led by former Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Ikimi, have stated that they have yet to receive any official invitation.

Both politicians, however, confirmed their willingness to appear before the panel once they receive formal notification.

The Ikimi-led NDC had announced on Thursday that Ortom, Anyanwu, and 10 other unnamed party members were expected to appear before the committee on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the Legacy House in Maitama, Abuja.

However, the identities of the other 10 individuals remain undisclosed, with both Ikimi and the committee’s secretary, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), refusing to provide details.

Since the 2023 presidential election, the PDP has been plagued by internal conflicts, with factions accusing each other of undermining the party’s interests.

In response, the PDP’s National Working Committee established the disciplinary committee on August 21, 2024, to handle complaints and recommend actions to the National Executive Committee.

However, nearly five months after its formation, the crisis has escalated.

The position of National Secretary remains a major point of contention, with both former National Youth Leader,  Sunday Ude-Okoye and Anyanwu claiming the role.

While Ude-Okoye has the backing of the Board of Trustees, led by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, and the PDP Governors’ Forum, chaired by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, the conflict remains unresolved.

Although Ikimi has acknowledged receiving only five petitions, an anonymous senior NWC member disclosed that around 30 petitions had been submitted to the committee.

The NDC clarified that both petitioners and accused party members, along with their witnesses, would be required to appear before the panel.

Speaking through his media aide, Terver Akase, Ortom stated on Sunday that while he was ready to appear before the panel as a loyal party member, he had yet to receive an official invitation.

“My principal is willing to appear before the panel, but the issue is that he is yet to be officially invited. As a law-abiding citizen and patriotic party man, he will honour the panel’s invitation once he receives it,” Akase said.

Similarly, Anyanwu told The TheNigerian that he had not received any formal invitation but would attend the proceedings as soon as he was officially notified.

“I read it in the news. I have not received any invitation. But as a loyal and faithful party member, when I receive their letter, I will honour it,” he said.

An anonymous NWC member revealed that no invitations had been sent out yet and suggested that the PDP was prioritizing reconciliation over punitive measures.

“I am not sure if Anyanwu, Ortom, or any of the other unnamed 10 have been invited. Maybe they will send the invitations on Monday. But the PDP is more focused on reconciliation than on sanctions,” the source said.

“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 apologise, issue warnings, and, at worst, face suspensions. Expulsion is unlikely, as we need more members, not fewer.”

Ikimi declined to comment, while Jegede, the NDC Secretary, stated that he was unsure whether invitations had been delivered.

“I will have to confirm if they have been served by courier service, as we can’t reach all of them physically,” Jegede said.

Six months after its formation, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Disciplinary Committee has summoned former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and others to answer questions on alleged acts of indiscipline.

The committee, chaired by former minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi, declared that those invited are required to appear before it on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the Legacy House in Maitama, Abuja.

The summons came barely 24 hours after Anyanwu rejected the recognition of Hon Sunday Ude-Okoye as national secretary of PDP by the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party.

But when contacted by LEADERSHIP over the invitation, Anyanwu in a terse message said, “I have not been officially informed.”

The PDP National Working Committee had set up the committee in August last year to allow party members file complaints, hear both sides and make recommendations to the National Executive Committee.

The internal crisis that rocked PDP before of the 2023 election, assumed various dimension, including the tussle for control of Rivers State PDP, agitations for the ouster of the acting national chairman, Illiya Damagum, a split within the NWC, and lately the battle for the national secretary position between Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye.

However, the committee said it has reviewed five petitions that have been submitted so far.

The statement read “The National Disciplinary Committee of the Peoples Democratic party met on Wednesday, 5th February 2025 at the Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja in line with its mandate pursuant to Section 57(1) of the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party (as amended in 2017) relating to Party discipline.

“The National Disciplinary Committee considered five (5) petitions received so far; and following a detailed review of the petitions, noted that the first set of petitions were against some key members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

“The Committee came to the conclusion that in order not to jeopardize the ongoing reconciliatory efforts of the Governors’ Forum and the Board of Trustees, took a decision to step down those three (3) of the petitions against the top NWC members.

“The second set of petitions which were set down for enquiry are those against former Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Dr. Samuel Ortom and 10 others and the petition against Distinguished Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

“Accordingly, The National Disciplinary Committee resolved to invite the affected persons to appear before the Committee on Wednesday, 12th February 2025 at the Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja. Those expected to attend are the Petitioners and their witnesses on the one hand and the affected party members and their witnesses on the other hand. The required notices have been issued out accordingly.”

The committee said it is dedicated to maintaining discipline within the party and reinstating its integrity.

It read in part, “The Committee reiterates that the National Disciplinary Committee is a constitutionally established Committee that is available to deal with matters brought before it fairly. Therefore, all those with genuine grievances against any member of the Party should take advantage of this Standing Committee and follow due process in bringing up their complaints.”

The Benue State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has officially nominated former Gov Samuel Ortom as a member of the Board of Trustees, BOT, of the party from the state.

His nomination comes in the wake of the expiration of the tenure of the previous members, marking a significant leadership shift within the party in the state.

This was contained in a statement on Tuesday by the Publicity Secretary of the party, Tim Nyor.

Nyor said, “In compliance with sections 32(1)(g) and 32(4) of the PDP constitution, the nomination was announced via correspondence from the party Secretariat to Chief Ortom and signed by the party Secretary Comrade Dan Nyikwagh .”

He added that the State Working Committee, SWC, underscored that Chief Ortom’s extensive experience and dedication to the party made him the ideal candidate for the position.

“After careful deliberation, the SWC under the Chairmanship of Rt Hon Ezekiel Awulu Adaji unanimously endorsed you for the position, recognizing your invaluable contributions to the party, your exemplary leadership, and your commitment to the ideals and progress of the PDP .

“Chief Ortom, who served as the Governor of Benue State from 2015 to 2023, has been an influential figure within the PDP and is widely recognized for his governance and advocacy on various social issues.

“His new role is expected to enhance the party’s influence and strategic direction, particularly as it prepares for the upcoming elections.”

Nyor said the SWC of the PDP expressed optimistim that Chief Ortom’s contributions as a member of BOT will strengthen the party’s cohesion in Benue and ensure that the interests of the state resonate within the national party framework.

He said with this nomination, Chief Ortom is set to play a crucial role in shaping the policies and direction of the PDP, not only in Benue State but across Nigeria.