The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Tuesday as loyalists of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike in Abia State suspended the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Adolphus Wabara. The move comes amid internal power struggles, particularly over the endorsement of a new national secretary.
Reasons Behind Wabara’s Suspension
Wabara’s suspension was allegedly linked to his endorsement of Ude-Okoye as PDP’s national secretary over Wike’s ally, Samuel Anyanwu. However, Abia PDP Chairman Abraham Amah stated that Wabara was removed for endorsing Labour Party Governor Alex Otti for a second term, just five months into his administration in October 2023.
Amah called on the Abia PDP State Executive Committee to invoke disciplinary measures, citing violations of the party’s constitution. He emphasized that the PDP needed dedicated members willing to defend and rebuild the party.
Party Leaders Divided Over Suspension
While PDP’s National Deputy Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, supported the suspension, claiming Wabara engaged in anti-party activities, other party members questioned why disciplinary action was delayed if Wabara had allegedly backed Otti in 2023. A party insider suggested Wabara was targeted for his role in backing Ude-Okoye over Anyanwu.
PDP National Leadership Rejects Suspension
The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) dismissed Wabara’s suspension as unconstitutional. National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba argued that the Abia PDP had no authority to suspend a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) without NWC approval. The NWC warned against actions that could destabilize the party.
Disciplinary Panel and Absentee Leaders
Meanwhile, former Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Ikimi is leading a seven-member National Disciplinary Committee to investigate party conflicts. The committee summoned Wabara, former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom, and Anyanwu, but both Ortom and Anyanwu declined to appear. Anyanwu cited medical reasons, while Ortom’s spokesperson insisted he had not received a formal invitation.
Labour Party Reacts
The Abia State Labour Party criticized the suspension, calling it a desperate political move. LP Chairman Emmanuel Otti defended Wabara, arguing he only acknowledged Governor Otti’s good governance.
Ongoing PDP Crisis
Since its defeat in the 2023 elections, the PDP has struggled with internal conflicts. The leadership battle between Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye for the secretary position has further worsened divisions. The Ikimi-led committee now faces the task of restoring unity within the party.
