From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) has dismissed the purported expulsion from the party of Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ideato Federal Constituency of Imo State.
The PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the purported expulsion was not in line with the provisions of Sections 57 (7) and 59 (3) of the party’s Constitution (as amended in 2017) and laid-down rules.
It noted that Section 57 (7) of the PDP Constitution 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.’
Consequently, the opposition party stated:
“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 cautioned that the PDP is an organised political party governed by strict adherence to the provisions of its Constitution and rules and would not allow any individual or group at any level to violate its Constitution and rules under any circumstances.
The PDP NWC maintained that Ugochinyere remains a bona fide member of the party with all rights, privileges, recognition, and obligations.
The PDP leadership, while calling on all its leaders, critical stakeholders, members, and supporters in Imo State and the nation to disregard the purported expulsion, charged party members in Imo State to remain united and continue to work together in the overall interest of the party and the people.
