As internal disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continue to escalate, a faction within the party, the Conference of Professionals in the Peoples Democratic Party (CP-PDP), has called for strict disciplinary measures against members engaging in activities deemed harmful to the party’s stability.
The group insists that enforcing party regulations is essential to restoring unity and credibility ahead of upcoming elections.
Barrister Obinna Nwachukwu, Protem National Coordinator of CP-PDP, has stressed the importance of upholding the PDP’s constitutional provisions to curb misconduct.
He referenced Articles 57, 58, and 59 of the party’s constitution, which outline offenses and penalties for violations. Nwachukwu argued that the party’s failure to enforce these regulations has encouraged behaviors that threaten the PDP’s cohesion and public trust.
“The Conference urges the party’s National Disciplinary Committee to expedite action on all pending petitions,” he stated. He further criticized the leadership’s reluctance to invoke disciplinary provisions, attributing this as a key factor in the party’s deepening crisis.
In response to growing concerns, the PDP’s National Disciplinary Committee (NDC), led by High Chief Tom Ikimi, has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring accountability within the party.
Since its inauguration in August 2024, the committee has been reviewing various complaints and petitions. Ikimi assured party members that the NDC remains dedicated to upholding fairness and transparency, promising to handle all cases strictly by the PDP’s constitution.
Despite these assurances, some party members have expressed skepticism about the NDC’s effectiveness. Critics have accused the National Working Committee (NWC) of protecting influential figures from disciplinary action.
There are also concerns about the structure of the 26-member NDC, which some argue contradicts the seven-member framework prescribed in the PDP’s 2017 amended constitution.
A senior party member voiced concerns over the legitimacy of any sanctions issued by the current committee. “If the foundation is flawed, the entire process lacks credibility. Since the composition of Ikimi’s committee does not align with constitutional requirements, any sanctions it recommends could be challenged and rendered invalid,” the source stated.
Amid the internal wrangling, the CP-PDP has urged the disciplinary committee to act decisively, warning that delays could encourage further indiscipline and undermine the party’s electoral prospects.
Nwachukwu emphasized that failure to address misconduct could foster impunity, fuel legal battles, and ultimately weaken the party’s position.
“As committed professionals and loyal members of the PDP, we must not allow selfish interests and subversive actions to derail our party. The PDP remains the preferred choice of Nigerians, and we must protect its values, vision, and mission,” Nwachukwu declared.
The ongoing crisis has ignited debates among PDP leaders over the potential fallout from disciplinary actions. Some party chieftains warn that imposing sanctions on prominent figures could deepen divisions and further destabilize the PDP. Others suggest that the NDC’s slow pace may be a deliberate strategy to prevent worsening the crisis.
A party leader noted that given the current fragile state of the PDP, any disciplinary measures must be approached cautiously to avoid unintended consequences.
