The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) has declared the purported expulsion of Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere by the Umuopia/ Umukegwu Ward chapter in Imo State as null and void. Simultaneously, the party has appointed the Ideato North/South Federal Constituency representative in the House of Representatives as the leader of the PDP in Imo State.
In a statement by Hon. Debo Ologunagba, PDP National Publicity Secretary, the NWC emphasized that the expulsion was a violation of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017). It highlighted the contravention of Sections 57 (7) and 59 (3), which reserve disciplinary actions against National Assembly members and other high-ranking officials exclusively for the National Executive Committee (NEC).
Section 57 (7) stipulates that only the NEC can address the discipline of members of the National Assembly, while Section 59 (3) reinforces the NEC’s jurisdiction over disciplinary measures involving such officials.
“The NWC reiterates that the PDP is a structured political organization governed by its Constitution and Rules. It will not tolerate any breach or disregard for these principles at any level,” Ologunagba stated.
The NWC further assured party members that Hon. Ugochinyere remains a bona fide member of the PDP, entitled to all rights and privileges, and urged stakeholders in Imo State to dismiss the expulsion as baseless. The committee called for unity among party members, stressing the importance of collective efforts to strengthen the PDP at state and national levels.
Adding momentum to his political standing, Hon. Ugochinyere was unanimously appointed as the leader of the PDP in Imo State by the party chairmen of all 27 local government areas. This decision was made public over the weekend, positioning Ugochinyere as the highest-ranking elected official of the party in the state.
In a statement signed by the Coordinating Chairman of the 27 Imo PDP LGA Chairmen Forum, the party leaders lauded Ugochinyere’s leadership qualities, dedication, and past contributions to the party.
They urged members and stakeholders to rally behind him as he spearheads efforts to rebuild and reposition the PDP in Imo State and beyond.
“We, the leaders of PDP in Imo State, after extensive consultation, have unanimously resolved to appoint Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere as our state leader,” the statement read.
“This decision is based on his proven leadership qualities, commitment to the party’s principles, and his ability to unify and energize our members ahead of future elections.”
The forum also called for significant changes at the national level of the party, demanding the removal of Acting National Chairman Umar Damagun and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu.
According to the chairmen, the current national leadership is hindering the party’s progress and jeopardizing its prospects for the 2027 elections.
The PDP local government chairmen expressed optimism about Ugochinyere’s ability to lead the party into a new era of strength and cohesion. They urged all party members to support his vision of restoring the PDP’s democratic ideals and ensuring victory in future elections.
The NWC’s decision to invalidate the expulsion and the subsequent endorsement of Ugochinyere as the state party leader are seen as strategic moves to unify the party, enhance its organizational structure, and strengthen its electoral prospects both within Imo State and on the national stage.
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