Rita Odafe
PDP NWC Overturns Suspension of BoT Chairman
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reversed the suspension of Senator Adolphus Wabara, the party’s Board of Trustees Chairman, deeming it unconstitutional and against the party’s rules.
On February 11, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, criticized the suspension imposed by the Abia State party faction, labeling it a “reckless and unconstitutional move.” This action followed Wabara’s endorsement of Governor Alex Otti for a second term just five months into his tenure, which took place in October 2023.
“The National Working Committee (NWC) has been alerted to the supposed suspension of our Board of Trustees chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara,” remarked Ologunagba.
“The NWC firmly declares this suspension as invalid and ineffective, as it contradicts the PDP Constitution as amended in 2017 and established party regulations.”
He emphasized that no state-level committee has authority to suspend or discipline a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) without prior consultation with the NWC, as stated in Section 57 (7) of the amended party constitution.
“This section clearly states that; ‘Regardless of other disciplines related provisions, no Executive Committee at any level, except the National Executive Committee, can handle any disciplinary issue regarding NEC members, Deputy Governors, or National Assembly members…’”
“Thus, the Abia State Chapter lacks any authority to discipline Senator Wabara, given his status as a member of the NEC.”
Ologunagba cautioned that the PDP “strongly denounces this suspension of Senator Wabara as irresponsible and unconstitutional” and warned those responsible for this action to reconsider, stating that the NWC is prepared to take necessary disciplinary measures to protect the party’s integrity and constitutional principles.
