The National Vice Chairman (South East) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Ali Odefa, has dismissed claims of his suspension by a group of individuals who held a press conference in Abuja
In a telephone interview with Vanguard, Odefa described the suspension as a “cowardly act” carried out by unknown persons, asserting that they have no legitimate ties to the party.
He questioned the legitimacy of the announcement, saying, “I’m in Abakaliki as we speak. Don’t you wonder why they left the whole of Ebonyi State to go to Abuja to make such an announcement? These are simply individuals seeking attention.”
Odefa was responding to a statement made by a group claiming to represent executives of the PDP in his Oguduokwor Ward, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. At a press conference held in Abuja, the group, led by Herbert Onyedikachi, who introduced himself as the Acting Chairman of the PDP in Odefa’s ward, announced his suspension for alleged anti-party activities and other offences detrimental to the party’s interests.
Onyedikachi claimed that the decision was taken during a ward executive meeting and was in accordance with Section 57(3) of the PDP Constitution, which gives the Ward Executive Committee the authority to suspend members. The statement also noted that Odefa had been referred to the Ward Disciplinary Committee for further action.
The group emphasized that the suspension and referral were intended to maintain party discipline and uphold the values and principles of the PDP. They urged party members to remain committed to the party’s objectives.
Chief Odefa, however, dismissed the action as baseless, insisting that those behind it are not recognized by the party in Ebonyi State.