A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has suspended party elder Bode George and 23 other chieftains over alleged anti-party activities, deepening internal divisions within the opposition party.

The suspension was announced on Friday by Kayode Ogunbiyi, chairman of the faction’s disciplinary committee, and the committee’s secretary, Desmond Agho, following what they described as a review of petitions against the affected members.

According to the committee, the suspended members were accused of engaging in activities deemed contrary to the interests of the PDP in Lagos State, including alleged associations with rival political parties. The committee said the actions violated the party’s constitution and undermined its objectives in the state.

Those affected by the suspension include Bode George, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees and one of the party’s most prominent figures in the South-West, along with 23 other party leaders and stakeholders.

The disciplinary committee stated that the suspended members would be barred from participating in party activities or representing the PDP in any official or unofficial capacity for the duration of the suspension. It also warned that further disciplinary or legal measures could be taken against any member found to be acting against the party’s interests.

The development marks the latest chapter in the long running leadership and factional disputes within the Lagos chapter of the PDP. George has been a vocal critic of Wike and his allies in the party, with disagreements over the direction and leadership of the PDP contributing to ongoing tensions.

The suspension is expected to intensify debates over party unity and leadership as the PDP seeks to reposition itself ahead of future electoral contests.

As of the time of reporting, neither George nor the other affected chieftains had publicly responded to the suspension announcement