The Umaru Dikko-led Disciplinary Committee set up by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has recommended the expulsion of three members of the party’s splinter group, ‘new PDP’ that has just merged with the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
They are a former acting chairman of the party, Abubakar Kawu Baraje, former Deputy National Chairman, Sam Sam Jaja and former National Secretary, Olagunsoye Oyinlola.
However, the fourth person, Ibrahim Kazaure’s suspension has been extended by a month and is expected to appear before the committee on December 10 for further questioning after which a decision would be taken on his matter.
Briefing newsmen on Wednesday, the deputy chairman of the committee, Ebenezer Babatope said the committee before arriving at its decisions met with the three persons and gave them a week notice to appear before it.
Babatope said the committee’s recommendations would be forwarded to the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party for ratification.
All the four national officers were on November 11, placed on an indefinite suspension by the NWC presided over by Bamanga Tukur, citing anti-part activities.
Mr. Tukur had earlier inaugurated a seven-man disciplinary committee headed by a former Minister of transport, Umaru Dikko on October 24, to ensure discipline among party members across the federation.
Also, on the committee are: Ebenezer Babatope as deputy chairman, Mrs Nana Aishat-Quadir, Hussaini Duraki, Shuaibu Oyedokun, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Onwe Onwe who is the secretary.
“The position of the committee is that the three stand expelled and one has his suspension extended by one month for him to report to the committee in two weeks time,” Babatope announced.
He also dismissed insinuation in some quarters that the committee`s recommendations were premeditated, insisting they were duly invited to appear before the committee.
Interestingly, all the four former PDP national officers have now pitched their tents with the APC with the exemption of Mr. Oyinlola who is still relying on the court of Appeal ruling to lay claim to the position of the National Secretary of the PDP.
