The Imo state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Charles Ugwu, has been suspended over alleged gross misconduct and insubordination.
The suspension, which took effect immediately, was announced in a statement by Njaba Duruiheoma, the party’s state secretary.
The motion for Ugwu’s suspension was moved by Emeka Alihe, the PDP chairman of Ohaji Egbema LGA, and seconded by Godspower Apollos, chairman of the party in Owerri municipal. The motion was also adopted by chairmen of at least 18 other LGAs and members of the State Executive Committee (SEC) as far back as October 24.
Alihe, who moved the motion in October, also accused the suspended party chairman of failing to summon a meeting of the state working committee, contrary to the provisions of section 21 (3) of the party’s constitution.
“No justifiable reason for failing to attend any of the thank-you tours embarked upon by the governorship candidate of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, to the 27 L.G.As of Imo state including that of Owerri Municipal council that was done at the state secretariat of this party, contrary to S. 58(i) (e) of the party constitution, notwithstanding that he was duly notified of the tour,” Alihe was quoted to have said.
Chidi Dike, the PDP chairman of Okigwe LGA, has been appointed as interim chairman of the party in Imo state.
In a related development, the Bayelsa State Executive Council of the Labour Party (LP) has expelled Udengs Eradiri, its governorship candidate, in the recently concluded off-cycle election in the state.
This development was announced by the state LP chairman, Eneyi Zidougha, during its meeting held in Yenagoa at the weekend.
The council also announced the dissolution of the local government and ward chairmen of the party during its meeting held in Yenagoa at the weekend.
Eradiri was expelled for allegedly contravening the codes and conduct of the party.
According to Zidougha, the state LP leadership took the decision to expel the former governorship candidate after they received information on his alleged illegal activities after the governorship polls, warning members of the public not to have any dealings with him and the ward chairmen.
He said, “After the party primaries and the governorship election on November 11, 2023, the state executive council has unanimously agreed that Mr. Udengs Eradiri be expelled.
“All party members should remain calm because the exercise is meant to strengthen our party and prepare us for the challenge ahead. The general public is hereby advised not to have any dealings with the deposed local government chairmen or Mr Udengs Eradiri on behalf of the Labour Party.”
However, Eradiri advised Zidougha to leave him out of the crisis rocking the state leadership of the party. He described him as “an acting factional chairman of the party”, adding that “the party’s constitution did not confer such powers on him (Zidougha).”