NEC also ratified the dissolution of party executive councils in Oyo, Bauchi, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, and Ekiti States, marking one of the most sweeping disciplinary actions in the party's recent history.
These decisions were reached during the party’s 103rd NEC meeting, held on Tuesday at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja.
Why They Were Expelled
Presenting the memo for the expulsions, Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, said the affected members engaged in persistent disobedience to subsisting court orders and actions that “brought the party into disrepute.”
According to him, their involvement in a “purported and unauthorized convention” triggered widespread confusion, factionalisation, and mass defections of governors and lawmakers across the country.
Communiqué Highlights
Reading the communiqué, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu said the meeting was convened to address “developments affecting the unity, stability, and constitutional order” of the PDP.
Key points include:
Violation of court orders: NEC condemned the conduct of members who organised and participated in an illegal convention.
Breach of party constitution: Members were found guilty of violating Articles 58(1) and 59(1) relating to anti-party activities and actions capable of tarnishing the party’s image.
Commencement of disciplinary procedures against top chieftains including:
Adolphus Wabara, Bode George, Ben Ndi Obi, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), Bala Mohammed, Seyi Makinde, Dauda Lawal, Taofiq Arapaja, Setonji Koshoedo, Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel, Woyengikuro Daniel, Mohammed Kadade Suleiman, Emmanuel Ogidi, Sumaila Adamu Burga, Umar Sani, Udom Emmanuel, and Emmanuel Enorden.
Financial accountability: Chief Ali Odefa was ordered to refund all salaries and allowances he received after his expulsion on 12 December 2024.
Fresh leadership adjustments:
NEC ratified Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck as Acting National Vice Chairman (South East) and affirmed Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman.
Dissolution of State EXCOs:
Caretaker committees will be constituted immediately in Oyo, Bauchi, Zamfara, Lagos, Ekiti, and Yobe States.
NEC also dissolved the Bayelsa State EXCO and approved the George Turnah-led Caretaker Committee.
Directive to recover seats from defectors:
Legal action will commence to retrieve the mandates of elected officials who defected from the party, in line with Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the Constitution.
Reconciliation and rebuilding:
NEC approved a nationwide reconciliation drive and a membership audit ahead of 2027, but emphasized that reconciliation will not override party discipline.
NEC reassured members that the measures were not punitive but necessary to stabilise the party and restore public confidence.
“The PDP draws its legitimacy from strict adherence to its Constitution and that of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not from impunity. The era of indiscipline is over,” the communiqué stated.
Leadership Reacts
In their opening remarks, BoT Chairman Senator Mao Ohuabunwa and Acting National Chairman Alhaji Abdulrahman urged members to remain calm and steadfast, expressing confidence that the party would overcome its internal challenges.
No comments:
Post a Comment