Imo PDP crisis: Ugwuh remains chairman – Ikokwu

From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri

The Legal Adviser of the Imo State People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Kissinger Ikokwu, says that Engr Charles Ugwuh remains the state chairman of the party.

He said that attempts by certain officials to remove the state chairman from office is unfounded .

Recall that Ugwuh was purportedly suspended from office for alleged “gross misconduct,” as indicated in a document signed by Mr Njaka Duruiheoma, the Assistant State Secretary (Orlu Zone) of the PDP.

However, Ikoku dismisses these claims, emphasising Ugwuh’s continued status as the State Chairman, supported by the majority of members in the State Working Committee (SWC) and State Executive Committee (SEC).

Ikoku, in a statement made available to Daily Sun, urged party members to remain steadfast and committed despite the turbulence caused by the actions of a few individuals aiming to destabilise the party in Imo State.

He assured that the State Leadership would address the perceived acts of indiscipline by the erring officers in due course.

The legal adviser underscored that the party would not be swayed by the activities of a handful of misguided persons.

He cited the Constitution of the PDP, 2017, as amended, which outlines procedures for the discipline and removal of elected officers at any level.

Ikoku asserted that the Constitution does not grant the authority for a select few to gather and draft a document claiming to be a “Resolution” for a vote of no confidence or suspension of an elected official, especially a State Chairman validly elected by a State Congress – the highest organ of the party at the State level.

“For the avoidance of doubt,” Ikoku pointed out, “Article 47 (3) of the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP as amended, empowers only the State Congress to take a ‘Vote Of Confidence’ for the removal of a State Officer of the party.”

Expressing dismay at the apparent lack of understanding among party officers at the State and Local Government Area levels, Ikoku emphasised the need for adherence to the constitutional provisions.