The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has announced the immediate suspension of its National President, Pretty Okafor, following an emergency virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC).
The decision was contained in a communiqué issued on December 25, 2025, after the NEC deliberated on what it described as pressing governance concerns affecting the association.
In the interim, the Governor of the FCT Chapter of PMAN, Mr. Sydney Sparrow, has been appointed Acting President to prevent a leadership vacuum.
According to the NEC, Okafor’s suspension takes immediate effect and will remain in force pending the conclusion of a full investigation and disciplinary process.
The communiqué stated that the action became necessary due to alleged persistent violations of PMAN’s constitution, abuse of office, disregard for due process and actions considered detrimental to the welfare, integrity and credibility of the association.
One of the major issues cited was the unilateral appointment of officers. The Council accused the suspended President of appointing a “First Vice President” and “Second Vice President” without the required consultation, approval or ratification of the NEC, in violation of constitutional provisions. Despite objections, the appointees were reportedly added to the NEC platform and allowed to participate in meetings.
The NEC also condemned the removal of the duly elected National Treasurer, who was allegedly excluded from the NEC platform after raising concerns over the auditing of PMAN’s accounts. The Council described the action as an attack on transparency and accountability.
In addition, the communiqué noted the poor performance of the National Working Committee under Okafor’s leadership, citing its failure to organise nationally recognised events such as the PMAN Music Awards, implement meaningful welfare programmes for musicians and enforce regulatory standards within the industry.
The Council further accused the President of intolerance of dissenting views, saying his leadership style stifled democratic participation, undermined teamwork and created a hostile working environment within the association.
Another major concern raised was a controversial Joint Venture agreement involving PMAN property in Abuja. According to the NEC, the deal allegedly allocates 60 per cent to a developer, 30 per cent to PMAN and an unexplained 10 per cent to an unknown company, raising concerns over transparency, possible conflict of interest and financial misrepresentation.
As part of its resolutions, the NEC announced that all unilateral appointments made by the suspended President have been nullified, the National Treasurer reinstated, and a forensic audit of PMAN’s accounts and recent Joint Venture agreements approved.
PMAN urged its members nationwide to remain calm, stressing that the suspension is corrective rather than punitive, and reaffirmed its commitment to restoring transparency, accountability and proper governance within the association.
The NEC emphasised that PMAN remains committed to protecting the interests of Nigerian musicians and upholding the constitution guiding the association.
