In a press statement, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly dismissed the purported suspension of Senator Adolphus Wabara, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party. The NWC has categorically stated that the suspension is both “null and void” and “unconstitutional,” citing provisions of the party’s constitution which clearly outline disciplinary procedures.
The NWC’s statement came after news emerged from the Abia State chapter of the PDP, claiming to have suspended Senator Wabara. According to the PDP’s national leadership, this action lacks validity, as it violates the constitutional framework of the party.
Senator Adolphus Wabara, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, has long served as the BoT Chairman of the PDP. Wabara is an influential member of the National Executive Committee (NEC), which is the highest decision-making body within the party, second only to the National Convention.
The political party’s constitution, amended in 2017, specifically outlines the powers and limitations of various executive bodies within the party. This has played a crucial role in shaping how the party functions and how discipline is meted out to its members. Under this framework, no state-level working committee is authorised to suspend a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) unless this decision is first approved by the National Working Committee (NWC).
The NWC of the PDP, in their response, pointed out that Section 57(7) of the party’s constitution is explicit in denying any state executive committee the power to suspend members of the NEC. The NWC is the only body authorised to carry out disciplinary actions at this level, as it is the governing body in charge of all matters concerning the national leadership of the party.
Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, in the statement said, “For emphasis, no State Working Committee has the power to suspend or take any disciplinary action against a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Party without due recourse to the NWC, as clearly provided under Section 57(7) of the Constitution of the PDP.”
The NWC’s response highlights that Senator Wabara’s suspension is an unconstitutional act. The committee stated that any such disciplinary measure would require the approval of the NWC before it could be valid, as mandated by the party’s constitution.
Section 57(7) of the PDP constitution, as outlined in the NWC’s statement, asserts that “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.” This provision ensures that party members holding significant positions within the NEC are protected from arbitrary disciplinary actions by lower-level committees.
The NWC was particularly stern in condemning the actions taken by the Abia State chapter, calling them “reckless and unconstitutional.” The NWC has also issued a stern warning to those behind the suspension attempt, saying that such acts undermine the integrity of the PDP and may lead to severe internal consequences.
The statement further called on all party members, particularly those in Abia State and the South-East Zone, to disregard the purported suspension of Senator Wabara, highlighting that it holds no legitimacy.
The PDP constitution serves as the cornerstone of the party’s internal operations, with clear guidelines for the management of party matters, including the disciplinary processes for errant members. The National Working Committee is tasked with overseeing the discipline of members at the highest level, and it holds ultimate authority in decisions relating to the suspension or expulsion of key figures within the party.
Under the PDP’s constitution, members of the NEC, including senators, deputy governors, and members of the National Assembly, are given special protection. This ensures that decisions affecting their standing in the party are not taken lightly and cannot be made at the state level without thorough investigation and approval by the NWC.
The PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) is a critical body within the party. Composed of respected senior party leaders, the BoT serves as the custodian of the party’s values and is meant to offer guidance on key decisions. The chairman of the BoT holds an influential position and is expected to serve as a stabilising force within the party, helping to resolve disputes and ensuring that the PDP remains true to its founding principles.
Senator Wabara has served as the BoT Chairman for several years and is widely regarded as a steady hand in Nigerian politics. His suspension, or the attempt to do so, raises serious concerns about the party’s internal stability. It also highlights the tensions within the party, particularly at the state level, where certain factions may feel compelled to assert their influence.
The PDP, like many Nigerian political parties, is often a battleground for different factions seeking to control the direction of the party. This internal struggle for power can sometimes lead to actions that threaten the unity of the party, such as the suspension of high-ranking members. The attempt to suspend Senator Wabara is believed to be rooted in factional rivalries within the party, particularly within the Abia State chapter.
The NWC’s dismissal of the suspension highlights the importance of maintaining unity and following due process within the party. By issuing such a strong rejection, the NWC has signalled its commitment to preserving the sanctity of the PDP and upholding the party’s constitution.
