PDP State Chairmen Forum Suspends Imo and Abia Leaders Over Alleged Plot to Derail National Convention

The Forum of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Chairmen has suspended the membership of Honourable Austine Nwachukwu, chairman of the Imo State chapter and immediate past chairman of the Forum, alongside Honourable Amah Ibrahim Nnana, chairman of the Abia State chapter.

Their suspension followed allegations of conspiring to frustrate the PDP National Elective Convention scheduled for November 15, 2025. The decision was reached during an emergency meeting of the Forum held in Abuja on Tuesday, October 14.

According to a statement issued by the Forum, both Nwachukwu and Nnana allegedly worked with the support of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to obstruct the planned convention. The Forum described their move to seek a court injunction against the convention as “a betrayal of the party’s unity and collective resolve.”

As a result, the Forum unanimously appointed Mr. Tony Aziegbemi, the Edo State PDP chairman, as the new chairman of the Forum to replace Nwachukwu.

It was also recalled that Nwachukwu and Nnana are among the plaintiffs in a case before a Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to halt the PDP convention. The case is scheduled for hearing on Thursday, October 16.

The Forum declared its full support for the Ibadan convention and expressed confidence in the leadership of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Ambassador Umar Damagum.

In its statement, the Forum accused the APC of launching “undemocratic, desperate, and systematic efforts to intimidate, harass, and coerce PDP leaders, including governors, senators, and members of the National and State Assemblies into defecting.”

It warned that such actions were a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy, describing them as “a dangerous step toward establishing a one-party state.”

The Forum reaffirmed its vote of confidence in the NWC, the PDP Governors’ Forum, and other statutory organs of the party. It pledged to continue working harmoniously with the national leadership to rebuild and reposition the PDP as Nigeria’s leading opposition and credible political alternative.

The meeting, attended by 25 of the 36 state chairmen and the FCT representative, urged all PDP members, stakeholders, and supporters nationwide to remain calm, united, and focused as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The Forum also reaffirmed its commitment to continued cooperation with the party’s national leadership in strengthening internal democracy and restoring public trust in the PDP.