The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended its Board of Trustees (BOT) chairman, Adolphus Wabara, over allegations of anti-party activities. The suspension, announced by the state party chairman, Abraham Amah, stems from Wabara’s purported endorsement of the incumbent Labour Party Governor, Alex Otti, for a second term in office. This endorsement, which reportedly occurred in October 2023, a mere five months into Otti’s first term, was deemed a significant act of sabotage against the PDP. Amah stressed the importance of party loyalty and discipline, emphasizing that members must uphold the party’s values and work towards its electoral success. He framed Wabara’s actions as detrimental to the PDP’s image and morale, emboldening the opposition and undermining the party’s efforts to regain control of the state government.
The suspension was initiated following a memo from the state treasurer, Chizurum Kalu, which detailed Wabara’s alleged endorsement of Governor Otti and called for disciplinary action. The State Executive Committee (SEC), acting on the treasurer’s memo, invoked relevant sections of the party’s constitution to suspend Wabara from all party activities for one month. Furthermore, he has been debarred from holding any party office, effectively removing him from his position as BOT chairman. Amah highlighted the need for dedicated and loyal members who prioritize the party’s progress and the development of Abia State, contrasting this with those who merely “occupy space.” He called for a rebuilding of the party’s structure, emphasizing the need for active contributors rather than passive members.
Amah underscored the seriousness of Wabara’s alleged transgression, stating it brought the party into “disrepute, hatred, and contempt.” He cited specific articles of the PDP constitution, including Article 58(c) and (f), which address acts of sabotage and Article 59(1), which outlines the associated punishments. The party’s constitution, according to Amah, empowers the SEC to discipline any member, regardless of their position, who violates its provisions. This action emphasizes the PDP’s commitment to upholding internal discipline and accountability. Amah further articulated the party’s stance, stating that members must be prepared to “stand for, work for, and defend” the PDP, rejecting the notion of passive membership and stressing the need for active partners in progress.
The PDP’s decision to suspend Wabara was not taken lightly. Amah explained that due to the immunity typically afforded to the BOT chairman, the party had made repeated attempts to address the issue with Wabara before resorting to suspension. These attempts, which included demands for clarification and notices of potential disciplinary action, were seemingly ignored by Wabara. His alleged failure to refute the widely circulated reports of his endorsement of Governor Otti further solidified the party’s decision to take action. Amah reiterated that Wabara’s actions, both active and passive, undermined the PDP’s credibility, demoralized its members, and emboldened the opposition. He categorized these actions as “gross anti-party activity/conduct.”
Despite the suspension, the PDP has initiated a more formal investigation into Wabara’s actions. A seven-member disciplinary committee has been established to thoroughly examine the allegations and ensure adherence to the party’s disciplinary procedures. This committee will likely consider all available evidence and provide a recommendation to the party leadership regarding further action, if necessary. This move signifies the PDP’s commitment to due process even as it takes decisive action to address perceived threats to its unity and integrity.
This incident highlights the internal dynamics and challenges faced by the PDP in Abia State as it seeks to regain political ground. The party’s strong reaction to Wabara’s alleged actions underscores the importance of maintaining party discipline and loyalty, particularly in the face of political competition. While the suspension and subsequent investigation unfold, the PDP in Abia State is focused on rebuilding its strength and projecting an image of unity and purpose as it moves forward. The party is calling on its members to reaffirm their commitment to its mission and work towards reclaiming its position of leadership in the state. This incident serves as a clear message that the PDP will not tolerate actions perceived as undermining its goals and will take decisive steps to maintain internal cohesion.
