Ugochinyere remains a bona fide member of the PDP with all rights and privileges, the NWC assured. The statement urged party members in Imo State to disregard the expulsion and continue working together in unity for the party’s interest.
Abuja, Nigeria – The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has nullified the expulsion of Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State.
The expulsion, announced by the Umuopia/Umukegwu ward chapter of the party in Imo State, was declared invalid in a statement issued on Saturday by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba. According to the NWC, the action contravened Sections 57(7) and 59(3) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).
On Friday, the Imo PDP Publicity Secretary, Lancelot Obiak, had announced Ugochinyere’s expulsion. This decision, reportedly taken by the PDP Ideato Local Government Area chapter, was conveyed through a letter dated December 5, 2024. The letter, signed by LGA Chairman ThankGod Okeke and Secretary Onyebuchi Umeh, accused Ugochinyere of gross indiscipline, insubordination, and anti-party activities.
Rejecting the move, Ologunagba clarified that the ward and LGA executives lacked the authority to expel Ugochinyere, citing the PDP Constitution. “Section 57(7) provides that no Executive Committee at any level, except the National Executive Committee, shall entertain any question of discipline concerning a member of the National Executive Committee, Deputy Governors, or members of the National Assembly,” he stated.
He further referenced Section 59(3), which mandates that only the National Executive Committee can discipline members of the National Assembly, among others, emphasizing that the expulsion was null and void.
“The NWC declares the said purported expulsion as null and void and of no effect, not being consistent with the express provisions of the Constitution of the PDP and the laid-down rules of our great party,” Ologunagba said.
He reiterated that the PDP operates under strict adherence to its Constitution and would not tolerate violations by any individual or group.
Ugochinyere remains a bona fide member of the PDP with all rights and privileges, the NWC assured. The statement urged party members in Imo State to disregard the expulsion and continue working together in unity for the party’s interest.
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