The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed the reported expulsion of Hon. Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, a federal lawmaker representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency in Imo State, as unconstitutional and invalid.
In a statement released by Debo Ologunagba, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, the NWC clarified that the expulsion, allegedly announced by the PDP executive in Ideato Local Government Area, violates the party’s constitution and established rules.
The controversy began when the Imo PDP Publicity Secretary, Lancelot Obiak, claimed Ugochinyere had been expelled for alleged gross indiscipline, insubordination, and anti-party activities.
However, the PDP leadership has reiterated that no ward, local government, or state chapter has the authority to suspend or expel a member of the National Assembly without consulting the NWC.
“The NWC states that Hon. Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu remains a bona fide member of the PDP with all rights, privileges, and obligations intact,” the statement emphasized.
The NWC referenced Sections 57(7) and 59(3) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), which explicitly limit disciplinary actions involving members of the National Assembly to the National Executive Committee (NEC).
Section 57(7) states:
“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.”
Similarly, Section 59(3) specifies that no disciplinary actions against members of the NEC, National Assembly, or other top officials can occur without NEC approval.
The NWC stressed that the PDP is an organized political entity governed by strict adherence to its constitution. It warned against any actions that undermine the party’s rules, cautioning members to respect due process.
In its statement, the PDP leadership urged all party members in Imo State to remain united and work collectively for the benefit of the party and its constituents, while calling for the purported expulsion to be disregarded.
Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, who remains a recognized member of the party, has yet to comment publicly on the development.
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