Imo PDP suspends chairman over ‘insubordination, gross misconduct’

Charles Ugwu, the Imo state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been suspended over alleged gross misconduct and insubordination.

Subsequently, Chidi Dike, the zonal PDP chairman of Okigwe LGA, was appointed as interim chairman of the party in the state.

In a statement, Njaba Duruiheoma, the party’s state secretary, said Ugwu’s suspension followed a motion by Emeka Alihe, the PDP chairman of Ohaji Egbema LGA, and seconded by Godspower Apollos, chairman of the party in Owerri municipal.

The motion was also adopted by chairmen of at least 18 other LGAs and members of the State Executive Committee (SEC) as far back as October 24.

Imo has 27 LGAs.

“Majority resolution of members of the state executive committee of Peoples Democratic Party, Imo state chapter at its meeting held on 24/10/2023, passing vote of no confidence/suspending Engr Charles Ugwu from office immediately as the chairman, Imo state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party” the statement reads.

Alihe, who moved the motion in October, also accused the suspended party chairman of failing to summon a meeting of the state working committee, contrary to the provisions of section 21 (3) of the party’s constitution.

“No justifiable reason for failing to attend any of the thank-you tours embarked upon by the governorship candidate of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, to the 27 L.G.As of Imo state including that of Owerri Municipal council that was done at the state secretariat of this party, contrary to S. 58(i) (e) of the party constitution, notwithstanding that he was duly notified of the tour,” Alihe was quoted to have said.

Another party chieftain who spoke on condition of anonymity said “Ugwu’s suspension would have come as of October 24th but was kept till after the election to avoid people reading negative meaning into it”.