PDP National Leadership Overrules Abia Chapter, Declares Wabara's Suspension Unconstitutional
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed the purported suspension of the Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara, by the Abia State chapter, describing it as unconstitutional and of no effect.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, condemned the suspension as reckless and a clear violation of the party constitution. He emphasized that no state chapter has the authority to suspend a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) without consulting the NWC.
Ologunagba cited Section 57(7) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended), which explicitly states that no executive committee at any level, except the NEC, has the power to discipline NEC members, including deputy governors and National Assembly members.
For emphasis, no State Working Committee has the power to suspend or take any disciplinary action against a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party without due recourse to the NWC, as clearly provided under Section 57(7) of the PDP Constitution,the statement read.
The PDP leadership reiterated that Wabara, as the BoT Chairman and a NEC member, remains beyond the disciplinary jurisdiction of the Abia State chapter.
The NWC strongly warned those responsible for Wabara suspension to withdraw their actions or face disciplinary measures.
The PDP, therefore, condemns the purported suspension of Senator Wabara as reckless and unconstitutional and cautions those behind this act to desist, as the NWC will not hesitate to take appropriate measures to preserve the stability of our party and the sanctity of its constitution,the statement added.
The committee urged PDP members in Abia State, the South East, and across the nation to disregard the suspension, reaffirming Wabara position as BoT Chairman.
The Abia State chapter of the PDP had earlier announced Wabara's suspension for one month, pending an investigation by a seven-member disciplinary committee.
State PDP Chairman, Abraham Amah, accused Wabara of endorsing Abia State Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party for a second term an action the state PDP described as anti-party.
Our attention has been drawn to a statement credited to Senator Adolphus Wabara in October, wherein he unilaterally endorsed Governor Alex Otti for a second term, barely five months after inauguration, the state chapter stated.
The Abia PDP cited Chapter 10, Article 58(c) and (f) of the party constitution, arguing that Wabara endorsement of a non-PDP governor brought the party into disrepute, hatred, and contempt.
Additionally, the state chapter referenced Article 59(1), which it claimed empowers the State Executive Committee (SEC) to discipline any party member, regardless of status. It also alleged that Wabara had ignored multiple invitations to clarify his position and justify why disciplinary action should not be taken against him.
Describing Wabara actions as a betrayal,the Abia PDP argued that his endorsement of Otti had undermined the party credibility and demoralized its members in the state.
Wabara purported suspension is the latest controversy within the PDP, highlighting ongoing internal power struggles and factional disagreements. While the NWC has dismissed the action as unconstitutional, the state chapter remains firm in its decision, setting the stage for further tensions within the party.
As the PDP navigates these internal disputes, party members and political observers will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds, particularly with upcoming elections in view.
