By Kolawole Ojebisi
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stated how the reasons cited for the expulsion of the lawmaker representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State, Hon.Ikenga Ugochinyere, from the party by the Umuopia/Umukegwu ward chapter of the party hold no water.
Ugochinyere was purportedly expelled from the party by the Umuopia/Umukegwu Ward chapter of the PDP in Imo State on Friday.
Meanwhile, hours after the decision, the party’s NWC has voided the purported expulsion. The expulsion cancellation was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by Debo Ologunagba, PDP National Publicity Secretary.
Ologunagba noted that the NWC declared the purported expulsion as null and void, backing up the NWC’s position with certain sections of the party’s Constitution.
He stressed that the expulsion has “no effect, and not being consistent with the express provision of Sections 57 (7) and 59 (3) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) and laid down Rules of our great Party.”
The statement argued that Section 57 (7) of the Constitution of the PDP is clear in providing that: “Notwithstanding any other provision relating to discipline, no Executive Committee at any level, except the National Executive Committee, shall entertain any question of discipline as may relate or concern a member of the National Executive Committee, Deputy Governors or members of the National Assembly…”
It pointed out also that Section 59 (3) of the Constitution of the PDP is unambiguous in stating that “Notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution relating to discipline, no Executive Committee at any level except the National Executive Committee shall entertain any question of discipline as may relate or concern a member of the National Executive Committee, President, Vice President, Governors, Deputy Governors, Ministers, Ambassadors, Special Advisers or member of any of the Legislative Houses.”
The statement declared: “It is therefore clear that no Ward, Local Government or even State Chapter of the Party has the power to suspend, expel or discipline a member of the National Assembly in any form whatsoever without due recourse to the National Working Committee as provided by the Constitution of the PDP.”
The NWC cautioned that the PDP is an organized political party governed by strict adherence to the provisions of its Constitution and Rules and will not allow any individual or group at any level to violate its Constitution and Rules under any circumstances whatsoever.
The national leadership of the main opposition party maintained that Hon. Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu remains a bona-fide member of the PDP with all rights, privileges, recognition, obligations and charges all leaders, critical stakeholders, members, and supporters of our Party in Imo State and the nation to disregard the purported expulsion.
The NWC said it was calling on all party members in Imo State to remain united and continue to work together in the overall interest of our Party and the people.
The New Diplomat reports that the House of Representatives member and spokesman for the Coalition of United Political Parties, Ugochinyere was expelled, as announced in a statement released on Friday by the Imo PDP Publicity Secretary, Lancelot Obiak.
The statement indicated that Ugochinyere’s expulsion was carried out by the PDP executive in Ideato LGA through a letter dated December 5, 2024, signed by LGA Chairman ThankGod Okeke and Secretary Onyebuchi Umeh. The expulsion was predicated on acts of alleged indiscipline, insubordination, and anti-party activities.
Recall that Ugochinyere had recently tackled the immediate Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for playing what he described as “kindergarten politics”.
The legislator claimed that Wike’s brand of politics contributed largely to the crisis rocking the PDP. He also warned President Tinubu to be wary of the former Rivers State governor, adding that he would betray him when their relationship goes sour.
