In an open letter dated February 09, 2025, the Coalition for Credible and Transparent Elections has issued a stern call to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Disciplinary Committee to ensure that petitions against high-profile party members are handled with fairness, transparency, and strict adherence to party rules.
Addressing the esteemed members of the committee, the coalition stressed that the integrity and future of the PDP are at stake. The letter comes at a time when several prominent party figures—including former Rivers State Governor and Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike; the ousted National Secretary, Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu; and former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom—have been summoned to answer allegations under the party’s disciplinary framework.
The coalition’s letter underscores the necessity for equal treatment under party law. It states, “Every member of the PDP, regardless of their position, past or present, should be treated equally under the party’s disciplinary procedures.” The coalition insists that petitions against top leaders must undergo the same level of scrutiny as those filed against any other member, emphasizing that “the petitions should be handled with the same level of scrutiny and fairness as any other member facing similar allegations.”
In addition, the letter calls for a comprehensive review of all petitions, including those against senior members of the National Working Committee who have stepped down. While the coalition acknowledges the importance of reconciliation, it warns that reconciliation must not come at the expense of accountability.
A key point in the letter is the demand for transparency. The coalition notes that the adjudication process must be open to public scrutiny: “The process through which these petitions are adjudicated must be transparent to restore confidence among party members and the public.” The call for transparency is intended to reassure the party faithful that the proceedings will be free from bias and external influence.
The letter also highlights an ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP, particularly regarding the dispute over the National Secretary position between Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye. The coalition warns that mishandling this issue could further divide the party and tarnish its image. It insists that “a Party leader or member must not be seen to be above the law” and that adherence to the rule of law and respect for judicial orders is non-negotiable.
While advocating for unity, the coalition makes it clear that reconciliation efforts should not overshadow the need for accountability. They state, “The PDP must demonstrate that it can discipline its members when they err, thereby setting a precedent for future conduct within the party.” The coalition criticizes any approach that might be perceived as using disciplinary probes for political maneuvering, warning that such tactics “only harm progress” and can undermine the party’s credibility.
Concluding the letter, Alfred Chukwuodifor, speaking on behalf of the Coalition for Credible and Transparent Elections, pleaded with the committee to uphold the highest standards of justice. He warned that the decisions made would have far-reaching implications not only for the individuals involved but also for the overall direction, unity, and public confidence in the PDP. “The PDP stands at a crossroads where the choice between maintaining an appearance of unity through leniency or ensuring accountability through justice will define our path forward,” the letter reads.
The coalition’s open letter is a clarion call for a disciplinary process that is both fair and impartial. As the PDP grapples with internal challenges and external criticism, the demand for a rigorous, transparent review of the actions of its top leaders is deemed essential for restoring the party’s integrity and ensuring a more credible future.
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