PDP’s internal crisis deepens as the NWC nullifies the suspension of BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, by the Abia PDP. The state chapter insists the move is legal and threatens legal action. Will this escalate further? Read full details!
A major rift has erupted within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the National Working Committee (NWC) and the Abia State Working Committee (SWC) lock horns over the controversial suspension of the Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara. The development has deepened the crisis within the party, exposing a fierce power struggle between the national and state leadership.
NWC Declares Wabara’s Suspension Null and Void
In a swift response to the suspension announcement, the PDP NWC led by Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum, issued a strongly worded statement dismissing the action taken by the Abia PDP SWC as unconstitutional and illegal.
According to the National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the Abia PDP SWC lacked the authority to suspend Wabara, citing Section 57 (7) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017). The provision states that no state-level executive committee has the power to discipline or suspend a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC), a category under which Wabara falls.
“The purported suspension of Senator Wabara is reckless, unconstitutional, and of no effect whatsoever,” the statement read. The NWC warned that any further defiance of the party’s constitution would attract severe disciplinary action.
Furthermore, the NWC urged party members across Abia State, the South-East, and nationwide to disregard the suspension, stating that it remains an illegitimate move that undermines the unity of the party.
Abia PDP Hits Back: ‘NWC Cannot Overrule Us’
The Abia PDP, however, has fired back at the NWC, rejecting its attempt to invalidate the suspension. In a counter-statement signed by the State Chairman, Elder Abraham Amah, the Abia PDP insisted that the suspension was in full compliance with the PDP Constitution and remains effective unless overturned by a competent court or the National Executive Committee (NEC).
The Abia PDP justified Wabara’s suspension by citing his alleged anti-party activities, particularly his endorsement of a sitting governor from another party. The party referenced Section 58(1)(b) & (h) of the PDP Constitution, which stipulates that members engaging in acts that bring the party into disrepute or violate its principles can face disciplinary action.
Additionally, the statement pointed out that Section 59(3) of the Constitution makes it clear that no individual, including members of the BoT, is above disciplinary measures when deemed necessary.
“We categorically state that the decision of the Abia State Executive Committee (SEC) to suspend Senator Wabara met every constitutional requirement and cannot be invalidated by a mere statement from the National Publicity Secretary,” the statement read.
The Abia PDP also accused Ologunagba of deliberate misrepresentation of the party’s laws, claiming he conveniently ignored Section 57(6), which gives state-level executive committees the authority to take disciplinary actions against members subject to due process.
Legal Battle Looming? Abia PDP Threatens to Seek Redress
In what appears to be an escalation of the crisis, the Abia PDP has threatened to take legal action if any attempt is made to override its decision through what it described as “unconstitutional means.” The party insists that Wabara’s suspension remains valid and binding until a competent authority rules otherwise.
With both factions digging in their heels, the PDP now faces a deepening internal crisis that could affect its political influence in Abia State and beyond. Party stakeholders and observers are now watching closely to see whether the NWC will enforce its stance or if the Abia PDP will succeed in pushing through its disciplinary decision.
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