PDP Suspends BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara Amid Deepening Crisis

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended its Board of Trustees Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, as internal party conflicts escalate. The decision raises concerns about the party’s stability ahead of upcoming elections.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chapter in Abia State has suspended Adolphus Wabara, the Chairman of its Board of Trustees (BOT), due to allegations of anti-party activities.

On Tuesday, the state party chairman, Abraham Amah, made the announcement during a meeting with the State Executive Committee in Umuahia.

Amah stated that Wabara was suspended due to his support for Governor Alex Otti’s second term just five months into the governor’s administration in October 2023. This action was considered a betrayal of the party’s principles.

“The party will not tolerate members who display its emblem but undermine, sabotage, or betray its fundamental values,” Amah stated.

The decision was additionally backed by a memo from the state’s Treasurer, Chizurum Kalu, who advocated for Wabara’s suspension due to what he termed as baseless statements.

Referring to Sections 57, 58, and 59 of the party’s constitution, Amah called on the State Executive Committee to maintain discipline throughout the party without regard for anyone’s status.

He stated that genuine leadership and advancement necessitate a committed and loyal team rather than just followers. The PDP requires individuals who grasp the importance of making sacrifices to realign the party for electoral victory and facilitate Abia State’s transformation.

In the memo submitted by the state treasurer, it was alleged that the BOT chairman endorsed Governor Alex Otti for a second term, an act described in the memo as harmful to the party.

The State Treasurer proposed a motion, seconded by the State Organising Secretary Obinna Okey, requesting that the BOT chairman be barred from holding any party office and suspended as the BOT chairman.

The chairman of the Abia PDP urged for the creation of a robust and effective team that would actively contribute to advancing the party and fostering state development, rather than merely occupying positions.

If you’re part of this party, be prepared to support it wholeheartedly—stand up for our values, contribute actively, and defend our cause. We’re looking for partners in progress, not mere passengers.

We became aware of a statement attributed to Senator Adolphus Wabara in October, which was widely shared on social media and reported by national newspapers. In this statement, the Senator recklessly undermined our Party by independently endorsing Governor Alex Chioma Otti of the Labour Party for a second term as Abia State’s governor only five months after his inauguration. This action brought disrepute, hatred, and contempt upon our party and is claimed to violate Chapter 10, Article 58(c) and (f) of our Constitution (2017 as amended). Consequently, it subjects him to potential penalties under Article 59(1) of the same document.

According to Articles 58(1) and 59(1) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended), the State Executive Committee (SEC) has the authority to discipline any party member who violates provisions within the Party’s Constitution, regardless of their status. Considering Senator Adolphus Wabara’s acts deemed sabotage against the party, these articles—57(1),(2),(3), 58(1)(b)&(f), and 59(1)—were invoked by the Party. As a result, Senator Wabara was suspended from participating in party activities for one month. In addition, adhering to Articles 59(e)&(f)), he was barred from holding any office within the party and subsequently removed from his position as Chairman of BOT for PDP.

The PDP state chairman explained that because the BOT Chairman was protected by immunity from disciplinary actions by the State Executive Committee, the party repeatedly issued outcries, demands, and notices requesting an explanation as to why he shouldn’t face disciplinary measures.

He mentioned that Wabara has neither denied nor addressed the statement attributed to him, which has been circulating on social media and national newspapers since October 2023. Despite his actions and lack thereof undermining the PDP’s credibility, demoralizing party members and stakeholders, empowering the opposition, and significantly contributing to gross anti-party conduct.

In the meantime, a seven-member disciplinary committee was established by the party to investigate Wabara’s actions in accordance with its disciplinary procedures. The party also encouraged members to renew their dedication to its mission of reclaiming prominence and guiding the state toward greater achievements.