Why we won’t appear before Ikimi panel – Ortom, others
As the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party deepens, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who were reportedly summoned by the National Disciplinary Committee led by former Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Ikimi, have stated that they have yet to receive any official invitation.
Both politicians, however, confirmed their willingness to appear before the panel once they receive formal notification.
The Ikimi-led NDC had announced on Thursday that Ortom, Anyanwu, and 10 other unnamed party members were expected to appear before the committee on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the Legacy House in Maitama, Abuja.
However, the identities of the other 10 individuals remain undisclosed, with both Ikimi and the committee’s secretary, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), refusing to provide details.
Since the 2023 presidential election, the PDP has been plagued by internal conflicts, with factions accusing each other of undermining the party’s interests.
In response, the PDP’s National Working Committee established the disciplinary committee on August 21, 2024, to handle complaints and recommend actions to the National Executive Committee.
However, nearly five months after its formation, the crisis has escalated.
The position of National Secretary remains a major point of contention, with both former National Youth Leader, Sunday Ude-Okoye and Anyanwu claiming the role.
While Ude-Okoye has the backing of the Board of Trustees, led by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, and the PDP Governors’ Forum, chaired by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, the conflict remains unresolved.
Although Ikimi has acknowledged receiving only five petitions, an anonymous senior NWC member disclosed that around 30 petitions had been submitted to the committee.
The NDC clarified that both petitioners and accused party members, along with their witnesses, would be required to appear before the panel.
Speaking through his media aide, Terver Akase, Ortom stated on Sunday that while he was ready to appear before the panel as a loyal party member, he had yet to receive an official invitation.
“My principal is willing to appear before the panel, but the issue is that he is yet to be officially invited. As a law-abiding citizen and patriotic party man, he will honour the panel’s invitation once he receives it,” Akase said.
Similarly, Anyanwu told The PUNCH that he had not received any formal invitation but would attend the proceedings as soon as he was officially notified.
“I read it in the news. I have not received any invitation. But as a loyal and faithful party member, when I receive their letter, I will honour it,” he said.
An anonymous NWC member revealed that no invitations had been sent out yet and suggested that the PDP was prioritizing reconciliation over punitive measures.
“I am not sure if Anyanwu, Ortom, or any of the other unnamed 10 have been invited. Maybe they will send the invitations on Monday. But the PDP is more focused on reconciliation than on sanctions,” the source said.
“The NDC leaders know they cannot be too harsh on any member because we need unity. While they will discuss the petitions, they are more likely to recommend that some individuals apologise, issue warnings, and, at worst, face suspensions. Expulsion is unlikely, as we need more members, not fewer.”
Ikimi declined to comment, while Jegede, the NDC Secretary, stated that he was unsure whether invitations had been delivered.
“I will have to confirm if they have been served by courier service, as we can’t reach all of them physically,” Jegede said.
