The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the suspension of Senator Adolphus Wabara, the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BOT), by the Abia State chapter of the party. According to the NWC, the suspension is null, void, and unconstitutional, as it contradicts the party’s constitution.
In a statement released by PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, the NWC emphasized that no State Working Committee has the authority to suspend a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) without consulting the NWC. This position is supported by Section 57(7) of the PDP Constitution, which clearly states that the National Executive Committee is the only body empowered to address disciplinary matters involving NEC members.
The NWC’s strong response comes after the Abia State PDP’s suspension of Wabara, a decision which followed a local ward-level suspension from Ohambele, his home ward. The suspension has been linked to ongoing power struggles within the party, particularly between factions loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, and former PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. Wabara’s suspension is seen as part of this internal political battle, especially as he publicly endorsed Labour Party (LP) Governor Alex Otti for a second term in October 2024, a move that angered the Abia PDP leadership.
Abia State PDP Chairman Abraham Amah announced the suspension during a press briefing, claiming that Wabara’s actions violated party loyalty and undermined the PDP’s core values. He further stated that Wabara would be barred from holding any party office, including his role as the BOT Chairman, and that a seven-member disciplinary committee would be established to investigate his conduct.
Wabara’s public endorsement of Otti, which occurred shortly after Otti’s victory over the PDP in the 2023 Abia State governorship election, was seen as a significant act of disloyalty. Amah described this as a breach of the PDP’s principles, highlighting the importance of loyalty, discipline, and unity in the party’s rebuilding efforts.
The PDP NWC, in its response, urged all party members and supporters to disregard the suspension, calling on the Abia chapter to adhere to the party’s constitution. It warned that those responsible for the unconstitutional action would face disciplinary measures aimed at safeguarding the party’s stability and integrity.
In a broader context, the suspension of Wabara adds to the ongoing internal strife within the PDP, which has been grappling with factional disputes and leadership struggles. As tensions rise within the party, the NWC remains committed to upholding its constitutional authority and maintaining unity among its members.
