Odefa: PDP NWC Dismisses Purported Removal

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed purported removal from office of Chief Ali Odefa as the National Vice Chairman, South East of the party.

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party stated that, ”The NWC categorically declares the purported removal of Chief Ali Odefa and claimed replacement with another Party member, Hon. Goodluck Chidiebere Egwu as null and void and of no effect, not being consistent with provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) and laid down Rules of our great Party.

”For the avoidance of doubt, no State Working Committee has the power whatsoever to expel, suspend or take any disciplinary action against a National Vice Chairman being a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Party without due recourse to the NWC as provided by the Constitution of the PDP.

”For emphasis, Section 57(7) of the Constitution of the PDP is clear in providing that, ‘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,” the spokesman of the party said.

He said the NWC affirmed that Odefa remained the National Vice Chairman (South East) of the PDP and charges all leaders, critical stakeholders, members and supporters of the PDP in the South East and the nation to disregard the purported replacement.

According to Ologunagba, ”The NWC restates that the PDP is a highly organised and ordered political party governed by strict adherence to  the provisions of its Constitution and Rules and will not allow any individual or group at any level to violate its Constitution and Rules under any circumstances whatsoever.”

The NWC called on all party members in the South East to remain united and continue to work together in the overall interest of our Party and the people.