Wike-Backed PDP dismisses Anyanwu suspension claims

The Peoples Democratic Party faction backed by FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports suggesting that Senator Samuel Anyanwu was suspended, describing such claims as misleading.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr Jungudo Mohammed, under the leadership of Mr Abdurahman Mohammed, clarified that although Mr Anyanwu filed an appeal, it was not connected to any suspension.

“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,” Mr Mohammed said.

Clarification on disciplinary action

Mr Mohammed explained that the disciplinary committee chaired by Mr Tom Ikimi only made a recommendation, which was never ratified by the party’s leadership.

“It must be emphasised 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,” he said.

“As such, it had no binding effect, and no valid suspension existed at any time.”

Legal context

Mr Anyanwu had filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal challenging a judgment of the FCT High Court delivered by Justice Yusuf Halilu.

However, Mr Mohammed clarified that the court did not rule on any suspension, as that was not the subject of the case.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the judgment… did not affirm any suspension, as that was never the issue before the court,” he said.

He added that the court dismissed the case for lack of jurisdiction, noting that disciplinary matters are internal party affairs.

Appeal withdrawal

According to the PDP spokesman, the appeal filed on April 10, 2026, is now set to be withdrawn.

“In light of these facts, the appeal… has now been directed to be immediately withdrawn as it is no longer necessary,” Mr Mohammed stated.

He also noted that Mr Anyanwu and others mentioned in the reports had already completed their tenure.

Factional crisis

The PDP remains divided into factions, with one bloc led by Mr Tanimu Turaki and backed by Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, while the opposing faction aligned with Mr Mohammed is supported by Mr Wike.

The Turaki-led faction has also petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission, seeking the derecognition of the Mohammed/Anyanwu faction.

Call to disregard reports

The party urged members and the public to ignore what it described as distortions of facts.

“The PDP wishes to remind Nigerians… that the Abuja National Convention… was conducted with full legal backing… and was duly monitored by INEC,” Mr Mohammed said.

He added that reports suggesting otherwise were intended to create confusion within the party.