The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has categorically dismissed rumors surrounding the purported suspension of Distinguished Senator Adolphus Wabara, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, from the party. The NWC declared the alleged suspension null and void, asserting that it is in direct contravention of the PDP Constitution as amended in 2017 and the established rules governing the party.
The press release, signed by Hon. Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, comes amid escalating internal political tensions and allegations of misconduct within the party’s leadership structures in Abia State and the broader South East Zone. The release emphasizes that no State Working Committee has the authority to suspend or discipline a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) without first seeking recourse to the National Working Committee, as explicitly provided for under Section 57(7) of the PDP Constitution.
According to the statement, Section 57(7) is unequivocal: “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…”
This provision, the NWC stressed, renders any disciplinary action taken by the Abia State Chapter—or any other subordinate body—against Senator Wabara entirely void. The NWC condemned the alleged suspension as “reckless” and “unconstitutional,” warning those responsible for such actions to retrace their steps immediately.
“We call on all leaders, critical stakeholders, members and supporters of our Party in Abia State, the South East Zone and indeed across the country to disregard the purported suspension,” the press release read. It further warned that the NWC would not hesitate to take appropriate disciplinary actions to preserve the stability of the party and uphold the sanctity of its constitution.
This latest development follows months of internal discord within the PDP, where factions have been accused of engaging in power plays and bypassing constitutional provisions for political gain. The purported suspension of Senator Wabara appears to have been orchestrated by a dissident group within the Abia State Chapter, allegedly in a bid to destabilize the established order and challenge the legitimacy of the current National Executive Committee.
Senator Wabara, widely respected for his contributions to the party’s strategic direction, has been a central figure in upholding the party’s institutional framework. His position as Chairman of the Board of Trustees is enshrined in the party’s constitution, and any attempt to remove him without due process is considered a flagrant violation of the party’s governing rules.
Observers note that this internal power struggle is not merely a local issue confined to Abia State; rather, it reflects broader tensions within the PDP as the party struggles to present a unified front ahead of upcoming national elections. With rival factions vying for influence, actions such as the alleged suspension of a key constitutional office bearer can have far-reaching implications on the party’s image and electoral prospects.
Political analysts have expressed concern that such actions, if allowed to continue unchecked, could erode the public’s trust in the PDP. “The integrity of our political institutions depends on adherence to constitutional processes. Any deviation from these principles not only weakens the party internally but also sends a dangerous message about the rule of law in our political system,” remarked one senior political commentator.
The NWC’s press release serves as both a legal and political countermeasure against the usurpation attempts. By invoking Section 57(7) of the PDP Constitution, the NWC reaffirms the constitutional order within the party, making it clear that disciplinary actions against NEC members can only be handled at the national level. This decisive stance is intended to restore stability and prevent further fragmentation within the party’s ranks.
In light of these developments, the PDP leadership is now under increasing pressure to consolidate its internal structures and address the underlying causes of factionalism. Calls for transparent dialogue and reconciliation have been mounting, as party members and stakeholders alike stress that unity is essential for the PDP to regain public confidence and mount a credible challenge in forthcoming elections.
As the dispute continues to unfold, the NWC’s firm declaration against the purported suspension of Senator Wabara stands as a strong reminder that no individual or faction is above the party’s constitution. With the promise of swift disciplinary action against those who defy these principles, the PDP National Working Committee is taking a definitive step towards preserving the rule of law within the party and ensuring that its governance structures remain robust and resilient in the face of internal challenges.
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