The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has defended its decision to reaffirm the suspension of Chief Olabode George and 23 other party members, describing the move as necessary to safeguard the party’s identity and unity.
The state chairman, Chief Muka Popoola, made this known in Lagos on Saturday, explaining that the action was aimed at preventing confusion within the party and among the public.
He noted that the affected individuals were already under suspension based on an earlier resolution of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), adding that the state chapter only restated an existing disciplinary decision.
Popoola said the Lagos PDP did not initiate a fresh sanction but merely reaffirmed the national leadership’s position taken in 2025.
According to him, some of the affected members had allegedly associated themselves with other political parties while still publicly presenting themselves as PDP members, a situation he said was misleading and capable of causing internal division.
He stressed that while members are free to leave the party, they are expected to fully dissociate from its identity once they do so.
He added that it was inappropriate for individuals to align with other political platforms while continuing to claim affiliation with the PDP.
Popoola also dismissed reports suggesting any approved alliance between the PDP and the Allied People’s Movement (APM) ahead of the 2027 general elections, stating that no such arrangement was authorised by any legitimate structure of the party.
He urged the public to disregard claims of unofficial agreements or partnerships being attributed to the PDP, insisting that only decisions endorsed by the party leadership should be regarded as valid.
Meanwhile, the Lagos PDP Disciplinary Committee had earlier announced the suspension of George and 23 others over allegations of anti-party activities and constitutional breaches.
The committee said its decision followed petitions against some party members and cited actions capable of causing disunity within the party.
It further stated that it reviewed earlier disciplinary measures and confirmed that Olabode George remained under suspension.
Those affected include several prominent members such as Aduke Maina, Abimbola Ogunkelu, Laja Adeoye, Tunji Shelle, Sunday Olaifa, Gbenga Adegbesan, Rita Orji, Kofoworola Bucknor, Onikepo Oshodi, Idera Sodipo, Adedipe Ewenla and Bode Ogundipe.
Others listed were Aminu Suleiman, Roli George, Adetokunbo Pearse, Adeyemi Moyegun, Taiwo Kuye, Setonji Koshoedo, Muritala Ashorobi and Amos Alabi Fawole.
The committee stated that the suspended members were barred from participating in party activities or representing the PDP in any capacity within the state.
It also recommended further action against any individual found violating the suspension terms or acting against the party’s interests.