The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended its Board of Trustees (BOT) chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, over alleged anti-party activities.
State PDP chairman, Abraham Amah, announced the decision on Tuesday during a State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting in Umuahia, stating that Wabara was sanctioned for endorsing Governor Alex Otti for a second term barely five months into his administration in October 2023.
Amah stressed that the party could not afford to be distracted by members who compromise its values, sabotage its principles, and betray its mission.
Citing a memo from the state treasurer, Chizurum Kalu, Amah explained that Wabara’s endorsement of a rival party’s governor was deemed detrimental to the PDP.
The treasurer requested the SEC to invoke Sections 57, 58, and 59 of the PDP constitution to ensure discipline within the party, regardless of a member’s status.
“True leadership and progress require a dedicated and loyal team, not just a crowd. The PDP needs individuals who understand the sacrifices necessary to reposition the party for electoral success and the transformation of Abia State,” Amah said.
He further stated that the state treasurer’s motion to suspend Wabara was seconded by the state organising secretary, Obinna Okey. Consequently, Wabara was barred from holding any party office and suspended as BOT chairman.
Amah accused Wabara of bringing the party into disrepute by publicly endorsing Otti, which, he said, violated Chapter 10, Article 58(c) and (f) of the PDP constitution (2017 as amended). According to Amah, this offense warranted disciplinary action under Article 59(1).
“The Party, having considered the implications of Senator Adolphus Wabara’s acts of sabotage, invoked Articles 57(1), (2), (3), 58(1)(b) & (f), and 59(1) of the constitution and placed him on a one-month suspension from party activities. In compliance with Articles 59(1)(e) & (f), he has also been debarred from holding any party office and removed as BOT chairman,” Amah declared.
Despite several warnings and notices to explain his actions, Wabara reportedly failed to refute the statement attributed to him.
His actions, Amah added, had demoralised PDP members, emboldened the opposition, and constituted gross anti-party conduct.
In response to the controversy, the PDP has set up a seven-man disciplinary committee to investigate Wabara’s actions following the party’s disciplinary procedures.
The state chairman urged members to reaffirm their commitment to the party’s mission, stating:
“If you are in this party, be ready to stand for it, work for it, and defend it. We do not need passengers; we need partners in progress.”
With Wabara’s suspension, the PDP is taking a firm stance against disloyalty as it works towards reclaiming its political stronghold in Abia State.
