The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has nullified the expulsion of Ikenga Ugochinyere, the House of Representatives member representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State, describing the action as inconsistent with the party’s constitution.
In a statement on Saturday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, declared that the expulsion, allegedly carried out by the Umuopia/Umukegwu ward chapter of the party, contravened Sections 57(7) and 59(3) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).
Ugochinyere, who also serves as the spokesman for the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), was expelled on Friday, according to a statement by Imo PDP Publicity Secretary, Lancelot Obiak.
The expulsion was reportedly executed by the Ideato LGA chapter, citing alleged gross indiscipline, insubordination, and anti-party activities.
A letter dated December 5, 2024, signed by Ideato LGA Chairman ThankGod Okeke and Secretary Onyebuchi Umeh, outlined the charges against Ugochinyere and claimed that the decision followed recommendations from the party’s disciplinary committee.
However, Ologunagba countered these claims, emphasizing that disciplinary actions against a member of Ugochinyere’s status must align with the party’s constitutional provisions, which he said were not adhered to in this case.
The statement read in part, “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.”
The PDP Publicity Secretary emphasised that no ward, local government, or state chapter of the party has the authority to suspend, expel, or discipline a National Assembly member in any way without following the proper procedures set by the party’s Constitution, which requires consultation with the NWC.
It added, “The NWC strongly cautions 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 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.”