“PDP’s Disciplinary Committee: Only Petitions Can Spark Action, Says Chairman”

The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Disciplinary Committee has clarified that its mandate applies only to individuals who have formal petitions lodged against them. The committee’s Chairman, Chief Tom Ikimi, made this statement while addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday.

Responding to questions about ongoing cases involving prominent party figures accused of anti-party activities dating back to 2015, Ikimi emphasized the committee’s limited jurisdiction. High-profile names like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Senator Bukola Saraki, and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike have been linked to controversies that allegedly contributed to the party’s poor electoral performance between 2015 and 2023.

But Ikimi, flanked by ten committee members including Chief Eyitayo Jegede and Hon. Patrick Ifo, was clear: the panel can only act upon petitions that are directly presented to it. “This committee doesn’t initiate actions on its own. We respond solely to the petitions brought before us,” he stated. “If no petition is filed, we cannot take any action.”

Regarding previous controversies stretching back to 2015, Ikimi further explained, “We cannot address issues from the past unless there are petitions before us. We are not here to follow media reports or write petitions. Our role is to investigate those formally brought before us.”

The committee had planned to hear testimonies from former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, but the hearings were postponed. Ikimi confirmed that while both individuals were aware of the petitions filed against them, neither could attend the session.

“In the case of Senator Anyanwu, we received a letter confirming he had a medical issue and could not attend. His absence was supported by a doctor’s note,” Ikimi explained. “As for Ortom and others from Benue, they claimed they hadn’t received their petitions. However, we have proof that the documents were delivered.”

In light of these developments, the committee has decided to delay the hearings to March 4th to allow both parties ample time to resolve the delivery issue and ensure fairness. “We will give everyone a fair hearing,” Ikimi assured.