Abia PDP Asserts Constitutional Legitimacy of Wabara’s Suspension

The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sharply criticized the statement made by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, dismissing the suspension of Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT). The state chapter maintains that its decision to suspend Wabara is in full accordance with the party’s constitution and cannot be overturned by a mere statement from the publicity secretary.

In a statement on Tuesday, Elder Abraham Amah, the Abia PDP chairman, clarified that Ologunagba’s statement was personal and did not reflect any official resolution from the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC). Amah emphasized that Wabara, despite his prominent position, is not immune to disciplinary actions if his conduct violates the party’s laws.

“We categorically state that the decision of the Abia State Executive Committee (SEC) to suspend Senator Adolphus Wabara met every constitutional requirement of the party and cannot be invalidated by a mere statement from the National Publicity Secretary,” Amah stated.

The Abia PDP’s decision to suspend Wabara is rooted in alleged anti-party activities, specifically his endorsement of a sitting governor from another political party. According to Amah, this endorsement constitutes a clear violation of the PDP constitution, particularly Sections 58(1)(b) and (h), which sanction members for engaging in conduct likely to bring the party into disrepute.

The party also referenced Section 59(3) of the constitution, which states that the Board of Trustees is not immune from disciplinary actions, affirming that the SEC acted within its powers to suspend Wabara. Furthermore, Section 59(4) supports the legality of such actions when a member’s conduct contravenes the principles of the party.

Amah also highlighted Section 57(6), noting that it grants relevant executive committees at all levels of the party the authority to take disciplinary actions against members, provided due process is followed. He also pointed out that only a competent court of law or the National Executive Committee (NEC) can overturn the decision of the Abia PDP SEC.

“The suspension of Senator Wabara remains in full effect until such a competent authority pronounces otherwise,” Amah asserted. He urged the National Publicity Secretary to exercise restraint and avoid making misleading statements that could harm the party’s reputation.

The Abia PDP also warned that it would not hesitate to seek judicial redress if any attempts were made to subvert the decision of the state chapter through unconstitutional means.

In conclusion, the Abia PDP emphasized that discipline and accountability must be upheld at all levels within the party, and no individual, regardless of position, is above the constitution of the PDP.