The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) executives in Umukegwu/Umuopia ward and Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State have dismissed reports claiming that Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere has been expelled from the party. The dismissal was announced in a statement issued on Monday, describing the alleged expulsion as “fake news” and reaffirming Ugochinyere’s leadership role within the party.
Ugochinyere, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency and spokesman of the Coalition of United Political Parties, was reportedly expelled in a letter signed by Thankgod Okeke, chairman of the Ideato North council, and Onyebuchi Umeh, the secretary. The letter accused him of misconduct and anti-party activities, citing violations of the PDP constitution.
Allegations Against Ugochinyere
The letter detailed several charges against Ugochinyere, including his alleged failure to attend party meetings and activities, unauthorized publicity of party disputes, forming parallel executive organs, and making derogatory statements against the party and its leaders.
The letter partly read, “The party found Ugochinyere guilty of deliberate failure to attend meetings and participate in activities of the party for a long time in breach of Section 58 (1)e) of the PDP constitution 2017, as amended. He was said to have engaged in unauthorized publicity of disputes within the party, which contravenes Section 58(1)i of the party’s constitution.”
It further alleged that Ugochinyere’s actions brought the party to public ridicule, describing him as a divisive figure.
Local Leaders Dismiss Allegations
In a counter statement signed by Chief Mathias Onuebunwa, Umukegwu/Umuopia ward chairman, and Chief Emeka Eze, Ideato North PDP chairman, the party’s local executives refuted the allegations. They accused the PDP National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, and Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, of orchestrating the expulsion to undermine Ugochinyere’s influence within the party.
The statement read, “Ikenga is a strong member of the PDP, and we at the ward and local government levels will never have any reason to suspend him, not to talk of expelling him. Rather, we owe him a debt of salute and confidence for his courageous battle to rescue the PDP from political traitors who are working to sell the PDP to the APC.”
The leaders further declared Ugochinyere as the state leader of the PDP, noting his status as the highest-ranking elected PDP official in Imo State.
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Vote of Confidence in Ugochinyere
In a resolution passed by all 27 PDP local government chairmen in Imo State during an emergency meeting, the party executives reaffirmed their confidence in Ugochinyere’s leadership. They tasked him with leading efforts to restructure and reconcile the party amidst internal divisions.
The statement added, “Ikenga is above the petty games of political kids attempting to please their paymasters. We recognize him as the state leader of Imo PDP and entrust him with the responsibility of restoring unity and focus within the party.”
Growing Tensions in Imo PDP
The controversy highlights the growing divisions within the PDP in Imo State, with some members accusing top officials of working against the party’s interests. Ugochinyere, however, remains firm in his position, backed by grassroots support from ward and local executives.