The Imo state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially suspended its Chairman, Charles Ugwu, as announced by the state secretary of the party, Njaka Duruiheoma. The decision, communicated to newsmen in Owerri on Tuesday, cites various allegations, including the Chairman’s failure to convene a meeting of the state working committee since August 2023 and his absence from the 2023 Imo state governorship campaign.
The resolution on Ugwu’s suspension emerged following a motion initiated by Hon Emeka Alihe, the PDP Chairman of Ohaji Egbema local government area and Chairman of all PDP Chairmen in the state. The motion was seconded by Hon Godspower Apollos, the PDP Chairman of Owerri Municipal, and received support from over 18 other Local Government Chairmen, as well as members of the State Executive Committee (SEC).
The majority resolution of the State Executive Committee stated: “Hon. Emeka Alihe, introducing the motion calling for the immediate suspension of Engr. Charles Ugwu from office drew the State Executive Committee’s attention to the fact that since August 2023, Engr. Charles Ugwu has failed to summon a meeting of the State Working Committee contrary to the provisions of S. 21 (3) of the Party Constitution.”
The motion also highlighted Ugwu’s failure to attend the governorship campaign and local government rallies despite due notification, leading to a vote of no confidence and his immediate suspension from office. In response, the zonal Chairman of the party in Okigwe zone, Mr. Chidi Dike, from Imo North Senatorial district, has assumed the role of Interim State Chairman of the party.
The suspension of Charles Ugwu underscores internal challenges within the Imo PDP, with the party now navigating a transition in leadership. The developments will likely have ramifications for the party’s dynamics and strategies in the region.