Abia PDP Suspends Wabara for Alleged Endorsement of Labour Party’s Governor Otti

The ongoing crisis within Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), took a dramatic turn yesterday when the Abia State chapter suspended the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, over alleged anti-party activities.

The suspension stems from Wabara’s reported comments endorsing Labour Party (LP) Governor Alex Otti for a second term, just five months into his first term. The Abia PDP deemed these comments as an act of sabotage, bringing the party into disrepute. The party’s leadership in the state invoked various provisions of the party’s 2017 amended constitution to bar Wabara from holding any office within the PDP and removed him from his position as BoT Chairman.

However, the suspension was quickly overturned by the PDP National Working Committee (NWC). In a strong statement, the NWC described the Abia State chapter’s suspension as “null and void” and “of no effect,” emphasizing that only the National Executive Committee (NEC) had the authority to suspend a member of the NEC, such as Wabara, without first consulting the NWC.

According to the NWC, Abia State’s actions violated the PDP constitution, specifically Section 57 (7), which prohibits state-level committees from disciplining NEC members. The NWC also warned that those behind the suspension would face disciplinary actions for defying party rules. It urged PDP members to disregard the suspension, reaffirming that the party would not tolerate actions that destabilize its unity.

In response to the suspension, former Deputy National Chairman of PDP, Chief Bode George, condemned the move as an insult and an affront to the party. “Those who did that must have been sent by someone,” George remarked, expressing his concern that such a drastic step was taken without consulting the higher echelons of the party. “Wabara is the chief custodian of the party. Who are the characters behind this act?” he added, warning that the elders of the party would not let such disrespect stand.

The controversy surrounding Wabara’s suspension stems from a statement he made in October 2023, where he allegedly endorsed Governor Otti of the Labour Party for a second term, despite Otti only being five months into his tenure. The Abia PDP accused Wabara of undermining the party’s credibility and emboldening the opposition by giving the impression that he was aligning with a rival party.

The Abia PDP also mentioned that Wabara had refused to apologize for his comments, further justifying the disciplinary action. State chairman Elder Amah Abraham confirmed that a seven-member disciplinary committee would be established to investigate the allegations against Wabara.

The Abia chapter invoked Articles 58 and 59 of the party’s constitution, which allow the State Executive Committee (SEC) to discipline members for anti-party conduct. According to the party, Wabara’s actions violated provisions in Chapter 10, Articles 58(c) and (f) of the PDP constitution, warranting disciplinary measures.

The suspension of Wabara and the ensuing drama further underscores the divisions within the PDP, as various factions continue to battle for control and influence. The NWC’s quick reversal of Abia State’s action highlights the internal power struggle, with national leaders working to preserve the integrity of the party’s constitution amid growing discontent.