The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed the reported removal of its South-East National Vice Chairman, Chief Ali Odefa, as unconstitutional and invalid.
In a statement issued on Thursday, January 16, 2025, the party declared the action by certain stakeholders in Ebonyi State null and void. This follows claims made in late 2024 by some party chieftains who announced Odefa’s suspension and subsequent expulsion, citing alleged anti-party activities.
Despite these claims, the PDP emphasized that the actions taken against Odefa, including his replacement with Goodluck Egwu, did not align with the party’s constitution. The National Spokesperson for the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, clarified that State Working Committees (SWC) lack the authority to discipline members of the National Executive Council (NEC) without proper approval from the NWC, as stipulated in the PDP constitution.
Referencing Section 57(7) of the PDP Constitution (amended in 2017), Ologunagba stressed that only the NEC can handle disciplinary issues concerning NEC members, deputy governors, or members of the National Assembly. Any action to the contrary, he noted, is invalid and ineffective.
The PDP reiterated its commitment to upholding the party’s constitution and maintaining discipline within its ranks.
