The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party faction aligned to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has defended the renewed suspension of prominent party figure Chief Olabode George alongside 23 other members, insisting the move was essential to safeguard the party’s identity and cohesion.
The Lagos PDP chairman, Chief Muka Popoola, said on Saturday in Lagos that the decision was not a new disciplinary action but a reaffirmation of an earlier resolution taken by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
He explained that the step was necessary to prevent confusion among members and the public, stressing that the affected individuals were already under suspension at the national level.
“The Lagos State chapter of the PDP merely reaffirmed the suspension of Chief Bode George and others as earlier decided by the party’s National Executive Committee in 2025.
“The suspension was not a fresh action. It was a reaffirmation of an existing disciplinary measure taken by the national leadership of the party.
“The decision had already been taken at the national level and what the state chapter did was to restate and reaffirm that position,” Popoola said.
Popoola further alleged that some of the suspended members had drifted toward other political platforms while still presenting themselves as PDP members, a development he said was destabilising the party structure.
He maintained that while individuals were free to exit the party, they must also stop claiming its identity once they leave.
“Many of the affected persons have since aligned with other political parties. There is nothing wrong with leaving the PDP for another party.
“However, once individuals leave the PDP, they should also relinquish the identity of the PDP after their departure.
“Our concern is that some former members continue to associate themselves publicly with the PDP while operating within other political platforms,” he said.
According to him, such conduct was misleading and capable of deepening internal divisions.
“For instance, a person cannot belong to another political party and still present himself as a PDP member.
“Such actions are capable of creating factions and misleading the public about the true position of the party.
“If individuals choose to operate within another political platform, they should do so without laying claim to the PDP identity,” he added.
The chairman also dismissed claims suggesting any approved alliance between the PDP and the Allied People’s Movement (APM) ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting no such arrangement was authorised by the party leadership.
“No such collaboration was approved by the leadership of the PDP.
“Individuals are free to join any political party of their choice, but they should not attribute to the PDP positions, agreements or alliances that were never authorised by the party,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Lagos PDP Disciplinary Committee announced on Friday that it had upheld the suspension of George and 23 others over alleged anti-party activities.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Elder Kayode Ogunbiyi, and Secretary, Mr Desmond Agbo, the committee said the decision followed multiple petitions against some party leaders and members.
It said the allegations included anti-party conduct, violations of the PDP constitution, and actions capable of causing internal disaffection.
The committee also noted that it had reviewed earlier NEC actions concerning George and reaffirmed that his suspension remained in force.
It added that members who had defected or engaged in unauthorised political collaborations were also affected.
Those listed among the suspended members include Mrs Aduke Maina, Dr Abimbola Ogunkelu, Mr Laja Adeoye and Capt. Tunji Shelle.
Others are Chief Sunday Olaifa, Mr Gbenga Adegbesan, Mrs Rita Orji and Mrs Kofoworola Bucknor.
Also affected are Chief Onikepo Oshodi, Mrs Idera Sodipo, Prince Adedipe Ewenla and Mr Bode Ogundipe.
Others include Mr Aminu Suleiman, Dr Roli George, Dr Adetokunbo Pearse and Mr Adeyemi Moyegun.
The list is rounded off by Chief Taiwo Kuye, Mr Setonji Koshoedo, Alhaji Muritala Ashorobi and Dr Amos Alabi Fawole.
The committee stated that the suspended members were no longer permitted to participate in party activities in Lagos State or represent the PDP in any capacity, adding that legal action could be taken against anyone who violates the directive.
