Umuahia::Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), allegedly loyal to FCT Minier Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday suspended the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara. This move followed Wabara’s endorsement of Ude-Okoye as the party’s national secretary, instead of Samuel Anyanwu, an ally of Wike.
However, Abia PDP Chairman Abraham Amah stated that Wabara’s suspension was due to his endorsement of Labour Party Governor Alex Otti for a second term in October 2023, just five months into his tenure. According to sources within the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), Wabara’s endorsement of Ude-Okoye as national secretary also contributed to the suspension.
Amah made the announcement during a meeting with the State Executive Committee in Umuahia, citing a memo from the party’s state treasurer, Chizurum Kalu, which called for Wabara’s suspension for making an unfounded statement. Amah emphasized the importance of discipline and loyalty within the party, stating that the PDP needs committed members who understand the sacrifices necessary for the party’s progress.
The suspension was based on Wabara’s alleged actions that were damaging to the party, including his endorsement of Otti’s second term, which was deemed a violation of the party’s constitution. Consequently, Wabara was suspended for one month and removed from his position as BoT Chairman, with the party’s leadership calling for the rebuilding of a strong, viable team.
PDP National Deputy Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, an ally of Anyanwu, supported Wabara’s suspension, accusing him of engaging in anti-party activities by backing Otti’s re-election bid. However, some sources within the party questioned why Wabara had not been sanctioned earlier if his support for Otti’s re-election was the main issue. They suggested that the true reason for the suspension was Wabara’s stance on Ude-Okoye’s appointment as national secretary.
The NWC rejected the suspension, labeling it “null and void.” In a statement, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba stressed that the Abia State chapter did not have the authority to suspend a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC), including Wabara, without the NWC’s approval. He condemned the suspension as reckless and unconstitutional, urging those behind it to reconsider their actions.
Meanwhile, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and Anyanwu have refused to appear before the disciplinary panel led by Tom Ikimi. While Anyanwu cited medical reasons for his absence, Ortom’s team stated that he had not received a formal invitation, only hearing about it through social media.
The PDP has faced internal struggles since the 2023 presidential election, with various factions accusing one another of undermining the party. The disciplinary committee, formed to address these conflicts, has yet to resolve the ongoing power struggle, particularly concerning the contest for the position of national secretary. Despite the turmoil, Anyanwu continues to engage with the party’s national headquarters, further fueling the dispute.
In response to the suspension, the Labour Party (LP) criticized the PDP, accusing its officials of being narrow-minded. LP’s Abia chairman, Emmanuel Otti, defended Wabara, calling him a well-respected politician who simply appreciated the work of Governor Otti.
Additionally, a group called the National Frontier for Change and Progress expressed support for Wabara, accusing the PDP of ignoring his advice regarding the governorship race in Abia State. The group also insisted that only the NWC has the authority to suspend Wabara, reinforcing the argument that the suspension was improper
