The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed the expulsion of House of Representatives member, Ikenga Ugochinyere, from the party by the Imo State chapter.

The NWC declared the expulsion, announced by the PDP executive in Ideato Local Government Area, as invalid and contrary to the party’s constitution.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated that Ugochinyere’s removal was not in compliance with the party’s established procedures, citing Sections 57(7) and 59(3) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).

The expulsion was announced on Friday by the Imo PDP Publicity Secretary, Lancelot Obiak, after the party executive in Ideato LGA issued a letter dated December 5, 2024, accusing Ugochinyere of gross indiscipline, insubordination, and anti-party activities.

However, Ologunagba clarified that only the National Executive Committee (NEC) has the authority to expel or discipline members of the National Assembly, including Ugochinyere, in accordance with the party’s constitution.

He explained that the expulsion was not legitimate, as it failed to follow the correct processes.

The statement from the NWC read, in part: “The NWC of the PDP has reviewed the situation and declares the expulsion of Hon. Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu as null and void. This action was not in line with the clear provisions of Sections 57(7) and 59(3) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), which govern discipline within the party.”

Ologunagba stressed that no ward, local government, or state executive has the authority to discipline National Assembly members without the NWC’s consultation.

He further emphasized the importance of adherence to the party’s constitution and rules.

The NWC reiterated that Ugochinyere remains a full member of the PDP, with all associated rights and responsibilities.

Party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters were urged to disregard the expulsion and to remain united in the interest of the party.

Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Ideato North/South Federal Constituency of Imo State, has been appointed as the new leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State.

Ugochinyere, who is the highest-ranking PDP elected official in Imo, was named the party’s state leader by the PDP chairmen from all 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state during a meeting held over the weekend.

In a statement signed by the Coordinating Chairman of the 27 Imo PDP LGA Chairmen Forum, the party leaders called on all stakeholders in the state to unite behind Ugochinyere to help rescue the PDP from potential collapse at both the state and national levels.

The PDP chairmen, who expressed full support for Ugochinyere, also urged the removal of the party’s acting national chairman, Umar Damagun, and national secretary, Samuel Anyanwu.

They argued that this action was necessary to reinvigorate the party and prepare it for future electoral success.

The statement read: “After extensive consultations and careful reflection on the current state of our party, we, the PDP leaders in Imo, have resolved to appoint Hon. Barr Ikenga Ugochinyere as our leader. This decision is based on his leadership qualities, dedication to the party, and consistent commitment to democratic values.”

“We believe his leadership will be pivotal in restoring the PDP to its rightful place in Imo State ahead of upcoming elections. We call on all party members to support him fully in this critical task of rebuilding the PDP into a formidable political force.”

The PDP leaders also expressed their concern about the leadership of the party at the national level, specifically calling for the immediate removal of the acting national chairman and secretary, citing their continued tenure as detrimental to the party’s progress.

They emphasized the importance of restructuring the PDP in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial zone in the Nigerian Senate, has achieved a remarkable feat that sets him apart from many of his colleagues, with an impressive record of sponsoring 25 bills and moving 19 motions in just two years.

His performance in the 10th Senate has been marked by outstanding contributions to legislative work, addressing key national issues, and advocating for the development of his constituency, Delta North, and Nigeria as a whole.

Nwoko’s legislative prowess is highlighted by his sponsorship of a variety of bills aimed at improving Nigeria’s economic and social landscape.

Notably, he introduced the Data Protection Bill, which seeks to safeguard citizens’ digital privacy, ensuring that Nigerians can engage with technology in a secure environment.

This bill has gained significant attention due to the growing importance of data protection in the digital age.

In addition to this, Nwoko has moved motions on critical issues such as environmental hazards, flooding, and the need for a National Social Security Agency to replace the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

This initiative has garnered widespread support across political lines.

His vision for this proposal aligns with the recent executive push by President Bola Tinubu to establish such an agency, reflecting Nwoko’s forward-thinking leadership in public policy.

Beyond his legislative work, Senator Nwoko has also been at the forefront of community development.

He has implemented various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of his constituents, including educational scholarships, the construction of boreholes to ensure access to clean water, and the installation of solar-powered streetlights to enhance safety and infrastructure.

One of his most groundbreaking projects is the establishment of Africa’s first Sports University in Idumuje-Ugboko, which promises to provide a unique blend of academic excellence and sports training, creating new opportunities for youth development.

Nwoko’s advocacy extends beyond the Senate floor.

He has been a strong proponent of the creation of Anioma State, a cause deeply rooted in the historical and cultural aspirations of the Delta North people.

His leadership in reviving this movement, first initiated over fifty years ago by former Midwest State Governor Dennis Osadebe, underscores his commitment to addressing regional inequalities and ensuring that the voices of the Anioma people are heard at the national level.

HURIWA, a leading human rights advocacy group, recently honored Senator Nwoko with the prestigious 2024 Human Rights Man of the Year award in recognition of his contributions to human rights, legislative excellence, and community development.

His efforts to address systemic challenges, including the promotion of justice, equity, and social welfare, have earned him widespread recognition.

Senator Ned Nwoko has been named the recipient of the 2024 Human Rights Man of the Year Award by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA).

The prestigious award will be presented to him on December 10, 2024, during the International Human Rights Day celebrations in Abuja.

HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, confirmed that Senator Nwoko accepted the award in principle, expressing his deep gratitude for the recognition.

He reaffirmed his ongoing commitment to justice, human rights, and equity in Nigeria.

According to HURIWA, Senator Nwoko was chosen for the award in recognition of his exceptional legislative achievements, his community-focused initiatives, and his advocacy for human rights.

The association pointed to his remarkable performance in the 10th Senate, where he sponsored 25 bills and moved 19 motions within just two years, setting a record that outshines many of his peers.

Among his significant contributions, HURIWA highlighted the Data Protection Bill, which underscores his focus on digital privacy and security, and his advocacy for motions addressing critical issues such as flooding and environmental hazards.

Furthermore, the association commended Nwoko’s push for the creation of a National Social Security Agency, a vision now echoed in an executive proposal by President Bola Tinubu.

Beyond his legislative work, Senator Nwoko has made notable strides in community development in Delta North.

His efforts include awarding scholarships to students, installing solar-powered streetlights, constructing boreholes for clean water access, and organizing free medical outreach programs to improve public health.

One of his most groundbreaking accomplishments is the establishment of Africa’s first Sports University in Idumuje-Ugboko, an institution combining sports training with academic studies, which offers youth valuable opportunities for development and empowerment.

HURIWA also lauded Senator Nwoko’s advocacy for the creation of Anioma State, a cause deeply rooted in the history and aspirations of the Delta North community.

His leadership in reviving this movement, which has its origins in the 1960s with former Governor Dennis Osadebe, seeks to address the systemic marginalization of the Anioma people and promote fair representation.

The association criticized those opposing the creation of Anioma State, calling on all stakeholders to support the initiative, which it believes will advance the socio-economic development of Delta North.

HURIWA described Nwoko’s push for the state as a movement grounded in justice, fairness, and the desire for equitable opportunities for all.

In its statement, HURIWA praised Senator Nwoko as a “beacon of hope for Delta North,” noting that his leadership bridges federal policies with local community needs.

His approach, HURIWA said, exemplifies inclusive governance and a commitment to ending the region’s historical neglect.

The award ceremony in Abuja is expected to attract dignitaries from across Nigeria to celebrate Senator Nwoko’s impressive achievements.

HURIWA emphasized that this recognition not only highlights his contributions to human rights and development but also serves as a reminder for other leaders to focus on justice, equity, and the needs of their communities.

HURIWA reaffirmed its dedication to honoring individuals who make significant contributions to advancing human rights and social justice in Nigeria.

The association called for more public officials to follow Senator Nwoko’s example of leadership, which integrates governance with community service.

Stakeholders of the ruling Labour Party (LP) in Abia State have criticized the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for creating a “shadow government” in the state.

The stakeholders, who gathered from all 17 local government areas of the state, also expressed their full support for Governor Alex Otti, commending his visible progress in less than two years in office.

Meeting at the LP secretariat in Umuahia, the party members emphasized that Governor Otti has already achieved more in his tenure than many previous administrations.

They accused the PDP of engaging in unlawful practices under the guise of opposition, questioning why the party, which governed the state for 20 years without any shadow government, would now resort to such actions just two years after losing power.

The LP stakeholders also pointed out that the PDP lacked the moral standing to criticize Otti’s administration, which inherited substantial debt and a state of decay in infrastructure from the previous regime.

Hon. Emmanuel Nweze Oti, LP Chairman in Abia, and other speakers at the meeting praised Otti for his transformative leadership, which they said had put the state on a path to progress.

They noted that the state had never seen such development and urged the opposition to adopt a more constructive approach to criticism instead of engaging in “destructive opposition” after losing power.

Addressing concerns that Otti was sidelining party members in his political appointments, the stakeholders rejected these claims as unfounded and part of the opposition’s tactics.

They emphasized that Otti, elected to govern the entire state, should not be limited in his choices of appointees.

The LP leadership expressed their support for the governor’s focus on competence in appointments and pledged their continued loyalty to his administration.