Nnamdi Chukwu
THE National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared null and void and of no effect, 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 purported expulsion of Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu from the party by the Umuopia/Umukegwu Ward Chapter of the PDP in Imo State.
Eighteen-Eleven Media reports that the lawmaker representing Ideato North-Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State and spokesperson of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) was pronounced expelled based on charges of gross indiscipline, insubordination, and anti-party activities by the Ideato Local Government Area (LGA) chapter of the PDP.
A letter dated 5 December 2024 signed by LGA Chairman Hon. ThankGod Okeke and Secretary Onyebuchi Umeh, was addressed to the party’s state Chairman.
The development reportedly followed the recommendations of a disciplinary committee report dated 27 November 2024. The committee reportedly investigated the allegations against Ugochinyere in accordance with Section 57 (1-4) of the PDP Constitution (2017, as amended).
The disciplinary process began after Ugochinyere’s suspension by the Umuopia-Umukegwu Ward on 14 October 2024. The suspension was reportedly triggered by the lawmaker’s failure to appear before the Ward’s Executive Committee on 5 October 2024, despite multiple invitations and reminders.
The expulsion letter stated: “Upon receipt of the report, the LGA Executive Committee of Ideato North met on the 5th of December 2024 and unanimously adopted the report of the disciplinary committee. In light of this, Hon. Imo Ugochinyere Ikeagwonu is hereby expelled from the party (PDP) with immediate effect and ceases to be a member of the Peoples Democratic Party in Umuopia/Umukegwu Ward of Ideato North LGA.”
The disciplinary committee said it found Ugochinyere guilty of several violations of the party’s Constitution, including failing to attend meetings and participate in party activities for an extended period, breaching Section 58(1)(e); engaging in unauthorised publicity of internal party disputes contrary to Section 58(1)(i); establishing parallel party structures at Ward, LGA, and national levels, violating the party’s Constitution; making derogatory public statements against the party and its leaders, which brought the party into disrepute.
The PDP emphasized that these actions not only contravened its constitution but also undermined its unity and public image.
However, the NWC is apparently not in sync with the decision.
A statement by Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, insists that the action violates relevant sections of the party’s Constitution.
Hon. Ologunagba’s statement is hereunder reproduced.
The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to the purported expulsion of Hon. Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu from the party by the Umuopia/Umukegwu Ward Chapter of the PDP in Imo State.
The NWC declares the said purported expulsion as null and void and of no effect, 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.
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…”
Also, Section 59 (3) of the Constitution of the PDP is unambiguous in providing 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”.
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 strongly cautions that the PDP is an organised 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 NWC states 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 calls 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.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
Eighteen-Eleven Media