Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oguduokwor Ward in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has expelled the suspended National Vice Chairman (NVC) of the party in the South-East, Mr. Ali Odefa from the party.
Ali Odefa was suspended from the party on September 11, 2024, by the Ward Executives of the party for his alleged engagement in various anti-party activities.
The Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki while ruling on suit NO: FHC/AI/CS/182/2024 further affirmed the suspension on November 29, 2024.
Announcing the expulsion of Mr. Odefa on Wednesday via a statement, the Acting Chairman of the PDP in Oguduokwor, Onyeka Herbert Ovuta, stated that the expulsion of the erstwhile NVC follows the recommendation of the Party’s disciplinary committee that affirmed the allegations of anti-party activities leveled against him.
According to the party chairman, “The expulsion of Chief Ali Odefa follows the report, findings and recommendations of the Ward Disciplinary Committee of the party which is in line with the provisions of the party constitution.”
The party announced that Mr. Ali Odefa by the virtue of his suspension, therefore “ceases to be a member of the party.”
The party’s statement reads in part: “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oguduokowor Ward, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State hereby announce the expulsion of Chief Ali Odefa, the suspended National Vice Chairman of the PDP, South East Zone from the party which takes immediate effect.
“The expulsion of Chief Ali Odefa follows the report, findings and recommendations of the Ward Disciplinary Committee of the party which is in line with the provisions of the party constitution.
“Recall that Chief Ali Odefa was suspended from the party by the Ward leadership on 11th September 2024.
“Consequent upon the judgment of the Federal High Court Abakaliki in suit number FHC/AI/CS/182/2024 which affirmed the suspension of Chief Ali Odefa, the Disciplinary Committee of PDP Oguduokwor Ward after their sittings on the above subject matter unanimously recommended that Chief Ali Odefa the Suspended PDP National Vice Chairman South-East Zone be expelled from the party.
“The Executive Committee of PDP Oguduokwor Ward on 11th December 2024 after receiving the report, findings and recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee of PDP Oguduokwor Ward unanimously approved the expulsion of Chief Ali Odefa from the party which is compliance to section 58(1) and section 59 (1) of the PDP constitution.
“Henceforth Chief Ali Odefa, seizes to be a member of our party the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”
Reacting, Mr Odefa laughed off the said expulsion stating that those who announced the said action are frustrated charlatans.
He noted that the expulsion cannot stand as it didn’t take place in the ward but in Abuja even as he stated that those who purportedly carried out the said action are not ward executives of the party.
“Let them come home and announce it or is our ward now located in Abuja?”
