The Forum of State Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended the party chairmen of Imo and Abia States, Austine Nwachukwu and Amah Nnana, for attempting to stop the party’s upcoming national convention through a court order.
The decision was made on Wednesday during a meeting of the forum held at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja. The forum also reaffirmed its support for the National Working Committee (NWC) led by acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.
Nwachukwu and Nnana, known allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had joined another party member in court to halt the planned elective convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Speaking after the meeting, Acting Chairman of the Forum and Edo State PDP Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, said 28 state chairmen attended the session. He stated that the forum had resolved to back the national leadership in its efforts to reposition the party and ensure a successful convention that would produce new leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the suspended chairmen acted against the collective interest of the party by seeking a court injunction to disrupt preparations for the convention. The forum viewed their actions as a betrayal of unity and a move that could weaken the party’s stability.
Aziegbemi was appointed as the new chairman of the forum following their suspension. He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of working to destabilise the PDP and prevent it from holding its convention.
The forum also criticised what it described as attempts to pressure and intimidate PDP leaders, including governors, senators, and lawmakers, to defect to the ruling party. It warned that such actions could endanger democracy and push the country toward a one-party system.
The forum urged members and supporters to remain united and calm, assuring them that the leadership is taking steps to strengthen the party and prepare it for the next general elections.