The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended its decision to reaffirm the suspension of Chief Bode George and 23 other party members, describing the move as necessary to preserve the party’s identity and internal discipline.
Speaking in Lagos on Saturday, the faction’s chairman, Chief Muka Popoola, clarified that the action was not a new disciplinary measure but a reaffirmation of an earlier decision taken by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
According to Popoola, the state chapter merely restated a suspension that had already been imposed at the national level in 2025.
“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. The decision was not a fresh action but a restatement of an existing disciplinary measure,” he said.
Popoola explained that the reaffirmation became necessary to prevent confusion among party members and the public, particularly as some of the affected individuals were allegedly operating within other political platforms while still identifying themselves as PDP members.
He maintained that while party members are free to join other political parties, they should not continue to lay claim to the PDP identity after leaving.
“There is nothing wrong with leaving the PDP for another party. However, once individuals leave, they should also relinquish the PDP identity. Our concern is that some former members continue to associate themselves publicly with the PDP while operating elsewhere,” he stated.
The chairman warned that such actions could create factions within the party and mislead the public regarding its official position.
He also dismissed reports suggesting that the PDP had entered into an alliance with the Allied People’s Movement (APM) ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that no organ of the party had approved such a collaboration.
“No such alliance was authorised 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 or agreements that were never approved by the party,” Popoola added.
The clarification comes a day after the Lagos PDP Disciplinary Committee announced the suspension of Bode George and 23 other members over allegations of anti-party activities and violations of the party’s constitution.
In a statement signed by the committee’s Chairman, Elder Kayode Ogunbiyi, and Secretary, Desmond Agbo, the committee said the decision followed petitions alleging conduct capable of causing division and disaffection within the party.
The committee noted that it reviewed the NEC’s earlier action against George and reaffirmed that his suspension remained in force. It also examined cases involving members accused of defecting to other political parties or participating in unauthorised political collaborations.
Among those affected by the suspension are Aduke Maina, Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu, Laja Adeoye, Capt. Tunji Shelle, Sunday Olaifa, Gbenga Adegbesan, Rita Orji, Kofoworola Bucknor, Onikepo Oshodi, Idera Sodipo, Prince Adedipe Ewenla, Bode Ogundipe, Aminu Suleiman, Dr. Roli George, Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, Adeyemi Moyegun, Taiwo Kuye, Setonji Koshoedo, Muritala Ashorobi and Dr. Amos Alabi Fawole, among others.
According to the committee, the suspended members are barred from participating in PDP activities in Lagos State or representing the party in any official capacity. It further recommended legal action against any suspended member found acting contrary to the interests of the party.
