PDP NWC declares Ugochinyere’s expulsion invalid

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the reported expulsion of  Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, a member of the House of Representatives, by a ward chapter of the party in Imo State.

In a statement released on Saturday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, described the expulsion as “null and void,” emphasizing that it contravened the party’s constitution.

“The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to the purported expulsion of Hon. Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu from the Party by the Umuopia/Umukegwu Ward Chapter of the PDP in Imo State,” the statement read.

The NWC stressed that the action violated Sections 57 (7) and 59 (3) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), which reserve disciplinary powers concerning National Assembly members exclusively for the party’s National Executive Committee.

Quoting Section 57 (7), the statement read: “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…”

Additionally, the NWC cited Section 59 (3), which states: “Notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution 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, President, Vice President, Governors, Deputy Governors, Ministers, Ambassadors, Special Advisers or member of any of the Legislative Houses.”

The NWC clarified that ward, local government, or state chapters lack the authority to suspend or expel members of the National Assembly without the approval of the National Working Committee.

The statement further urged party members to remain united, emphasizing that Hon. Ikeagwuonu remains a legitimate member of the PDP with full rights and privileges.

“All leaders, critical stakeholders, members, and supporters of our Party in Imo State and the nation [should] disregard the purported expulsion,” it concluded.

The NWC called for unity among party members in Imo State, encouraging them to work collectively for the betterment of the party and its supporters nationwide.