PDP Constitution permits only party NEC to discipline-BKO

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expelled Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, Chris Ogbu, Fayose John, and others from the party over anti-party activities.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, made this known in a statement stating that they were also expelled due to “other grave offences in violation of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).”

Others expelled from the party include Ajijola Oladimeji (Ekiti Central), Olayinka Olalere (Ekiti Central II), Akerele Oluyinka (Ekiti North I), and Emiola Jennifer (Ekiti South II).

The statement added, “The expulsion takes effect from today, Friday, February 10, 2023. The decision of the NWC is a sequel to the recommendation of the National Disciplinary Committee and pursuant to Sections 58 and 59 (1)(g) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).

“The PDP charges all members of our Party across the country to remain united and focused on the mission of our Party to Rescue, Rebuild, and Redirect our nation from misrule.”

The PDP had last month suspended Nnamani, Ogbu, Fayose, and others for the same reason.

Nnamani, on his part, said in reaction to the party’s decision that the suspension was null and void because the PDP did not keep to its zoning principle which has seen the presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, come from same northern region. Nnamani said that informed the choice of his support for the APC’s presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.

On his political discussion, Issues with Jide, Veteran Journalist Babajide Kolade-Otitoju said he expected this to happen.

“Nnamani, after the suspension did not stop campaigning for Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu because for him, its a matter of conviction. He believes that power should go to the South. As far as he’s concerned he does not want to see
a rotational power back to the north, he wants power to shift to the South.

“This is what the PDP will have done but some elements in the PDP chose to not
respect the constitution of their own party and they have torned the party
apart as a result of that act of selfishness.

As far as concerned Nnamani is concerned, there is nothing like going back to the squad, it is Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu that he wants to support and he is bent on doing that without caring about the repercussions.

But looking at the law, can the party get away with expelling Nnamani and the others at this time, particularly as these six individuals are holding on to the tickets of the party for National Assembly seats.

BKO added that the electoral Acts does not envisage that at this time any party can change its candidate as it is just two weeks to the general elections except if the candidate either withdraws or dies.

Section 221 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 commission says no association other than the political parties shall canvas for votes for any candidate at any election.

Nnamani believes that he believes that he is backed by law that the national working Committee of the party has no power to expel, to punish except the NEC of the party.

The PDP constitution permits only the NEC of the party to discipline Nnamani, which means as far as he is concerned, the party cannot punish him.

BKO speaking further said, in the coming days, we shall be able to see clearly the intention.