The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is currently facing deepening internal crises, marked by a series of legal challenges and allegations of misconduct among its members.

Forgery Allegations and Legal Actions

• Edo State Governorship Candidate Investigation: In September 2024, the PDP called on the police to investigate Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Edo State, for allegedly submitting falsified birth records and a forged INEC voter card. The PDP expressed concerns that such actions, if unaddressed, could undermine ethical standards and promote fraud in governance.

   

• Kwara Lawmaker's Certificate Forgery Probe: An Abuja Area Court in Karmo ordered a police investigation into allegations of certificate forgery against Ahmed Ndakene, a federal lawmaker from Kwara State. The complaint, filed by Mahmud Babako, the PDP candidate in the election, accused Ndakene of submitting forged documents to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

   

• Ebonyi State PDP Leadership Dispute: In October 2024, Augustine Nwazunku, the former PDP Chairman in Ebonyi State, along with three others, was remanded by an Abakaliki Magistrate Court over allegations of cultism, forgery, impersonation, and the illegal suspension of Chief Ali Odefa, the South East National Vice Chairman of the PDP. The defendants were accused of forging documents purportedly from PDP executives to falsely claim Odefa's suspension.

   

• Defamation and Malicious Accusations: In January 2025, a Federal High Court in Abakaliki ordered Ali Odefa and two others to pay N100 million in damages for making false and malicious accusations against 20 PDP members. The court found that Odefa misused the police to harass the defendants, who were involved in his suspension from the party.

   

Implications for the PDP

These incidents highlight significant internal strife within the PDP, involving allegations of forgery, defamation, and misuse of legal processes among its members. Such challenges not only tarnish the party's public image but also raise concerns about internal governance and cohesion. Addressing these issues transparently and effectively is crucial for the PDP to restore credibility and public trust.