PDP Crisis: NWC Nullifies Abia Chapter’s Suspension of Wabara
Lagos — The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a dramatic turn on Tuesday as the Abia State chapter of the party announced the suspension of Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), over allegations of anti-party activities.
The Abia State PDP accused Wabara of making statements endorsing Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party (LP) for a second term, barely five months into his first tenure. The party cited violations of Articles 57(1), (2), (3), 58(1)(b) & (f), and 59(1)(e) & (f) of the PDP Constitution (2017, as amended) as grounds for his suspension. The state chapter declared Wabara ineligible to hold any party office and removed him from his position as BoT Chairman.
However, the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) swiftly intervened, declaring the suspension null and void. In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the NWC emphasized that the Abia State chapter lacked the authority to suspend a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) without due process.
Ologunagba stated, “The NWC categorically dismisses the purported suspension as null, void, and of no effect whatsoever. It is inconsistent with the provisions of the PDP Constitution and the party’s laid-down rules. No state working committee has the power to suspend or discipline a member of the NEC without recourse to the NWC, as clearly outlined in Section 57(7) of the PDP Constitution.”
He further warned that the NWC would not hesitate to take disciplinary action against those responsible for the unauthorized suspension to preserve the party’s stability and uphold its constitution.
Bode George Condemns Suspension, Calls It an Insult
Reacting to the development, Chief Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, described Wabara’s suspension as an affront and an insult to the party’s leadership. In an interview with Vanguard, George stated, “This is unheard of. Wabara is the chief custodian of the party. Who are these individuals who carried out such an act? We, the elders of the party, will not allow this to stand. It is an insult to the party and its structures.”
Abia PDP Defends Suspension, Cites Anti-Party Conduct
The Abia State PDP, in a motion moved by its State Treasurer, Chief Chizuru Kanu, and seconded by the Organizing Secretary, Prince Obinna Okey, accused Wabara of undermining the party’s credibility. The party alleged that Wabara’s endorsement of Governor Otti had demoralized PDP members and emboldened the opposition.
Elder Amah Abraham, the State Chairman of the Abia PDP, announced that a seven-man disciplinary committee would be set up to investigate Wabara’s alleged anti-party activities. He stated that the suspension was in line with the provisions of Articles 59(1)(e) and (f) of the PDP Constitution, which empower the State Executive Committee (SEC) to discipline any member, regardless of their status, for violating the party’s rules.
The Abia PDP maintained that Wabara’s actions had brought the party into disrepute and violated Chapter 10, Article 58(c) and (f) of the PDP Constitution. The party emphasized the need to enforce discipline among its members to safeguard its integrity and unity.
NWC Calls for Calm, Urges Members to Disregard Suspension
In its statement, the NWC called on PDP leaders, stakeholders, and members in Abia State, the South-East zone, and across the country to disregard Wabara’s suspension. The committee reiterated its commitment to upholding the party’s constitution and ensuring that due process is followed in all disciplinary matters.
The unfolding crisis highlights the deepening divisions within the PDP as it grapples with internal conflicts ahead of future elections. The party’s ability to resolve these issues amicably will be crucial to its prospects of regaining political relevance in the region and beyond.
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PDP Crisis: NWC Nullifies Abia Chapter’s Suspension of Wabara