The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared the purported expulsion of Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere from the party by the Umuopia/Umukegwu Ward Chapter in Imo State as null and void.
According to the party’s spokesman, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the expulsion is not consistent with the express provision of Sections 57 (7) and 59 (3) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) and its laid-down rules.
“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.”
According to the statement, Ugochinyere remains a bona fide member of the PDP, with all rights, privileges, recognition, and obligations.
The NWC has called on all party members in Imo State to disregard the purported expulsion and remain united in the overall interest of the party and the people.
