The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has confirmed that the suspension of its Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, was due to his endorsement of Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party (LP) for a second term.
Confirming the suspension in an interview with ABN TV, the State PDP Chairman, Elder Abraham Amah, stated that the decision was taken by the State Executive Committee (SEC) after Wabara was found guilty of breaching party loyalty.
“As you are aware, the reasons for the suspension are, one, breach of party loyalty,” Amah said, emphasizing that Wabara’s public declaration of support for Governor Otti in October 2023, barely five months after his inauguration, was a direct act of sabotage against the PDP.
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Elder Amah cited Chapter 10, Article 58 (C) and (F) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended), which prohibits members from engaging in activities that undermine the party’s interests. He further referenced Article 59 (1), which empowers the State Executive Committee to impose disciplinary actions, including suspension.
“Article 59 (1) empowers the state executive committee to discipline any member found guilty of infraction, irrespective of their status,” he explained.
Addressing concerns regarding whether the State Working Committee (SWC) had the authority to suspend a Board of Trustees (BoT) member, Amah clarified that Wabara, as a former Senate President, is automatically a member of the State Executive Committee (SEC) under Article 24 (1) (B) of the PDP Constitution.
“The status and the obligation of the BoT chairman grant him membership of the state executive committee, and as a principal officer of the National Assembly under the PDP platform, he is subject to party discipline,“ he explained.
Dismissing speculations that Wabara’s suspension was linked to the ongoing dispute over the PDP National Secretary position, Amah insisted that the decision was strictly based on his endorsement of Governor Otti.
“The decision was based solely on Wabara’s actions,” he stated.
Amah revealed that the party had initially planned to act earlier, but Wabara had been on medical vacation three times, delaying the process. However, the State Executive Committee deemed it appropriate to take action now that he is available.
Reaffirming the one-month suspension, Amah stated:
“Based on these provisions, Senator Adolphus Wabara has been placed on a one-month suspension from all party activities.”
The development has stirred reactions within the political landscape of Abia State, with observers watching closely for Wabara’s response and the possible implications for the PDP’s internal stability.
Stay tuned to ABN TV for further updates on this unfolding political drama.
