Wike-backed PDP dismisses Anyanwu suspension reports

The Peoples Democratic Party faction backed by Nyesom Wike said on April 18, 2026, in Abuja that reports linking Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s appeal to a suspension were false, explaining that no such disciplinary action was ever approved and that the court case was not about any suspension.

The statement was issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, under the leadership of Abdurahman Mohammed. He explained that although Anyanwu filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal, the legal move was tied to a dispute over the process and competence of a disciplinary committee previously set up within the party, not a punishment against the senator.

The party has been dealing with internal divisions, with one faction led by Tanimu Turaki and supported by Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, while the opposing group is aligned with Wike. Both sides have taken legal steps to strengthen their positions in the ongoing dispute.

Anyanwu had earlier filed an appeal challenging a judgment of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory delivered by Justice Yusuf Halilu, which dismissed his suit and supported his proposed expulsion from the party. However, the Wike-backed camp said the disciplinary committee led by Tom Ikimi only made a recommendation that was never approved by the party’s National Working Committee or National Executive Committee, meaning it had no legal effect.

The faction also said the committee itself was later set aside by the party leadership after it was found to have been formed against provisions of the party’s constitution. As a result, it maintained that there was never any valid suspension or disciplinary action against Anyanwu.

According to the statement, the court did not rule on any suspension but instead dismissed the case for lack of jurisdiction, stating that internal party matters are not for judicial review. The party added that the appeal filed on April 10, 2026, is now being withdrawn since it is no longer necessary.

The faction also pointed to earlier court rulings, including a decision by a Federal High Court in Ibadan which upheld the composition of its National Caretaker Committee and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise it. It further said its national convention held at the end of March 2026 followed valid court decisions and was monitored by the electoral body.

The party urged members of the public and its supporters to ignore reports suggesting that Anyanwu was suspended, describing such claims as incorrect and capable of causing confusion within the party.