… As Ihedioha, others resign from party

A Federal High Court sitting at Awka, Anambra State has ordered the immediate removal of Engr. Charles Ugwu as the Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Imo State.

In a judgment delivered by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba on the 22nd March, 2024, which followed the suit filed by one Chief Joseph Ugwulebo, the Court ordered Ugwu to restrain from parading himself as the Imo PDP chairman and ordered others not to be accorded him such recognition.

The judgment partly reads, “A DECLARATION İs hereby given that having regard to the combined provisions of Sections 57(3), 58(1) and 59(1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party (as amended in 2017), the 1st Defendant (Engr. Charles Ugwu) who committed various breaches of the 2nd Defendant’s (PDP) Constitution and was appropriately sanctioned with penalty of suspension has lost his right to remain the Imo State Chairman of the nd Defendant.

“An Order of perpetual injunction is hereby given restraining the 1 Defendant from parading himself or in any manner whatsoever holding out himself as Imo State Chairman of the 2nd Defendant.

“An Order of perpetual injunction is hereby given restraining the 2nd Defendant whether by itself, officers at any level, organs or chapters from recognizing or allowing the 1st Defendant to function or in any manner act as Imo State Chairman of the 2nd Defendant.”

Meanwhile, the Imo PDP has appointed Mr. Chidi Dike, the party’s Vice Chairman for Okigwe Zone, on acting capacity to take over from the sacked Ugwu.

The decision of the Imo PDP was validated by the National Working Committee of the party at its recent meeting held in Abuja last Thursday, in which Mr. Dike was in attendance.

Speaking to newsmen at the reception of Mr. Dike at the State Party’s Secretariat in Owerri on Tuesday, Chief Mike Ahumibe, PDP Zonal Organizing Secretary, South East, described the development as constitutional and in the overall interest of the party.

Also, Mr. Dike, who pledged his total commitment to reviving the party to winning positions in the state, stated that he would prioritize uniting the members and restoring peace, equity, fairness, accountability and transparency in the Imo PDP.

In a related development, the immediate past governor of the state and foremost chieftain of the party, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha has announced his resignation from the party.

In a letter personally signed by him and addressed to his ward’s chairman, Mbutu in Aboh Mbaise Council of the state, Ihedioha said his decision followed the inability of PDP to carry out internal reforms, enforce its own rules or offer credible opposition to the ruling All Progresives Congress, APC.

The letter which was copied to the Imo PDP, National PDP and PDP Board of Trustees reads, “Since 1998, I have contributed my quota to the development and transfomation of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as one of the founding members.

“All these years, I have taken pride in the fact that the PDP is a party that will always look inward for internal reforms and provide credible leadership for the people, whether in power or outside power. I have had the benefit of serving and benefitting from the partyy at various levels.

“Regrettably, in recent times, the party has taken on a path that is at variance with my personal beliefs. Despite my attempt to offer counsel, the party is, sadly no longer able to carry out internal reforms, enforce its own rules or offer credible opposition to the ruling All Progresives Congress.”

“It is in the light of the foregoing, that I am compelled to offer my resignation from the People’s Democratic Party effective immediately. While this decision was difficult to take, I, however, believe that it is the right one. Despite this resignation, I will always be avallable to offer my services towards the deepening of democracy and good governance in Nigeria.” he stated.

The Guardian gathered that like Ihedioha, some notable party chieftains including Barr. Chris Okewulonu, former Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Hon. Obnna Onwubuariri, former Representative member for Okigwe North Federal Constituency, among others have also tendered their respective resignation letters.