The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has upheld the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee’s (NWC) power to discipline its members, including senior national officers. The ruling comes amid ongoing disputes within the party over leadership and internal discipline.
The judgment confirms suspensions imposed under the Umar Damagum-led NWC, which targeted some senior officers, including Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Hon. Umar Bature, and Barr. Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN. The court dismissed legal challenges against the suspensions, ruling that the NWC acted within its constitutional authority to sanction members accused of anti-party conduct.
In a related decision, the court upheld a Federal High Court ruling invalidating the results of the PDP’s national convention held in Ibadan in November 2025. The court found the party failed to comply with statutory and constitutional requirements for hosting the convention, rendering its outcomes null.
The twin rulings reinforce the authority of the Damagum-led NWC while deepening the ongoing leadership dispute within the PDP. Party watchers say the decisions could influence future disciplinary actions and the recognition of party officers.
