Kehinde Fajobi
The National Disciplinary Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Chief Tom Ikimi, has postponed its proceedings for two weeks to allow former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and embattled National Secretary of the party, Samuel Anyanwu, time to prepare for their defence.
Ikimi announced the adjournment on Wednesday, February 12, after a three-hour closed-door meeting at Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja.
Speaking to journalists, he explained that Anyanwu had written to the committee, citing health issues and attaching medical documents to support his claim.
“The former National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, sent us a letter that he was not well. He has a medical challenge; he backed it up with letters from his doctors,” Ikimi said.
Regarding Ortom, he noted that the former governor claimed not to have received his invitation, despite records showing it was delivered via DHL.
“Ortom said he did not receive the letter, but we have evidence that the letter was sent through DHL and received. But he said he did not receive it. We want to be fair to everyone. We have deferred the meeting to March 4th, 2025,” he added.
When asked if the committee would summon individuals accused of anti-party activities dating back to 2015, Ikimi clarified that action could only be taken upon receiving petitions.
READ ALSO: PDP Summons Anyanwu, Ortom, 10 Others Over Anti-Party Allegations
“We can only act when we receive petitions. Until we get a petition, we don’t invite,” he stated.
Sources revealed that Ortom’s legal representatives, C.T. Mue Chambers, and the PDP Administrative Officer in Benue State only received copies of the summons on February 12, the same day he was expected to appear before the panel.
Present at the sitting were former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, ex-Enugu State Governor Dr. Sam Egwu, and the committee’s secretary, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN).