By Ayo Kehinde
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has nullified the expulsion of Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the member representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State in the House of Representatives.
Earlier, the Publicity Secretary of Imo State chapter of the PDP, Lancelot Obiak, stating that Ugochinyere was expelled by the executive of the PDP in Ideato LGA over gross indiscipline, insubordination, and anti-party activities.
Reacting in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP 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.
“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 declared.
Maintaining that Ugochinyere remains a bona fide member of the party with all rights, privileges, recognition, and obligations, the NWC 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.
Directing all its leaders, critical stakeholders, members, and supporters in Imo State and the nation to disregard the purported expulsion, the NWC charged party members in Imo to remain united and continue to work together in the overall interest of the PDP and the people.
