The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed the purported removal of Chief Ali Odefa and his alleged replacement with Hon. Goodluck Chidiebere Egwu as the National Vice Chairman, South East.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary, the NWC categorically declared the move null and void, stating it has no effect as it is “not consistent with the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) and the laid-down rules of our great party.”
The statement emphasized that “for the avoidance of doubt, no State Working Committee has the authority to expel, suspend, or take any disciplinary action against a National Vice Chairman, who is 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.”
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It added: “For emphasis, Section 57(7) of the Constitution of the PDP clearly states, ‘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 NWC affirmed that Chief Ali Odefa remains the National Vice Chairman (South East) of the PDP and urged all leaders, stakeholders, members, and supporters of the party in the South East and across the nation to disregard the purported replacement.
The NWC reiterated that the PDP is a highly organized and disciplined political party governed by strict adherence to its Constitution and Rules, stating that it “will not allow any individual or group at any level to violate its Constitution and Rules under any circumstances.”
The NWC also called on all party members in the South East to remain united and to continue working together in the overall interest of the party and the people.
