The Forum of State Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has distanced itself from a lawsuit seeking to stop the party’s upcoming national convention, scheduled for November in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Speaking on behalf of the forum in Abuja on Wednesday, its newly elected Chairman and Edo State PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, denounced the legal action taken by Austin Nwachukwu (Imo State) and Amah Abraham Nnana (Abia State), who, alongside Turnah Alabah George (PDP South-South Zonal Secretary), filed the suit.
The convention, which was approved during the PDP’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on July 24, is expected to elect 19 new members into the National Working Committee (NWC) as part of broader efforts to reform the party.
However, loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have voiced dissatisfaction with the Damagum-led NWC.
Their concerns center on issues within the South-South leadership, party structures in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau States, as well as the zoning arrangement for the convention. The group has warned that the convention could be derailed unless the party reviews recent decisions.
The court case, filed by the Wike-aligned group, is set for hearing on Thursday, October 16, at the Federal High Court, Abuja, before Justice James Omotosho.
In a statement jointly signed by Dr. Aziegbemi and the Forum’s Secretary, Edward Percy Masha, the PDP State Chairmen Forum reaffirmed its full support for the party’s national leadership and accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of using coercion and inducement to destabilize the PDP.
“The Forum expresses deep concern over the actions of certain individuals within the PDP who, possibly in collusion with APC interests, are attempting to sabotage the party’s national convention,” the statement read.
“We strongly condemn the actions of Hon. Nwachukwu and Hon. Nnana. Their decision to seek legal intervention against the convention is a betrayal of our party’s unity and collective will.”
As a result, both Nwachukwu and Nnana have been suspended from the forum, and Aziegbemi was elected to replace Nwachukwu as chairman.
The forum also passed a vote of confidence in the NWC, the PDP Governors’ Forum, and other party organs, pledging continued support to rebuild and reposition the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dr. Aziegbemi, while addressing the media, insisted that the chairmen were united in opposing the court case and any attempt to undermine the party.
“Twenty-eight of us met and unanimously agreed to suspend the two members involved in the lawsuit. We reject the court action in the strongest terms,” he stated.
“We are aware of a plot by the APC-led Federal Government to weaken the PDP and create a one-party state by luring our members and leaders through coercion.”
He accused the ruling party of focusing on politics over governance, alleging that APC operatives are behind efforts to disrupt the PDP’s convention.
“This government has failed to deliver good governance. Instead, they are using our own members to stop us from organizing a convention. But the PDP will not be intimidated,” Aziegbemi added.
He reaffirmed the chairmen’s loyalty to the PDP and expressed solidarity with Nigerians enduring economic hardship under the current administration.
“Sixty million Nigerians go to bed hungry every night. Yet this government is more concerned with political sabotage than solving the real issues.
“The PDP State Chairmen stand firmly behind Ambassador Umar Damagum and the NWC. We are committed to ensuring a smooth and successful convention. The party must remain the credible alternative for Nigerians.”
The forum urged all PDP members and supporters to remain calm and united in the face of internal and external challenges.
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