Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Umukegwu/Umuopia Ward and Ideato North Local Government Area (LGA) have dismissed claims of Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere’s expulsion from the party, describing the reports as baseless and politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the ward and LGA executives reaffirmed Ugochinyere’s membership and leadership within the party, labeling the purported expulsion as “fake news.”
The controversy began with a letter dated December 5, allegedly signed by Thankgod Okeke, the LGA chairman, and Onyebuchi Umeh, the secretary. The letter accused Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency and serves as the spokesman of the Coalition of United Political Parties, of misconduct and anti-party activities. Specific allegations included failure to attend meetings, forming parallel party structures, and making derogatory statements against party leaders.
However, in a counterstatement signed by Hon. Mathias Onuebunwa, Chairman of Umukegwu/Umuopia Ward, and Hon. Emeka Eze, Chairman of Ideato North LGA, party leaders dismissed these allegations. They asserted that Ugochinyere remains a “respected figure” in the PDP and accused the party’s Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu of orchestrating the purported expulsion to undermine Ugochinyere’s influence.
“Ikenga is a strong member of PDP, and we at the ward and LGA will never have any reason to suspend him, not to talk of expelling him,” the statement declared. “We owe him a debt of confidence for his courageous battle to rescue the PDP from political traitors intent on sabotaging the party.”
The statement also highlighted a resolution by PDP chairmen from Imo State’s 27 LGAs, passed during an emergency meeting. The chairmen unanimously declared Ugochinyere the state leader of the PDP, citing his status as the highest-ranking elected PDP official in the state. They expressed their confidence in his leadership and tasked him with spearheading efforts to restructure and reconcile the party.
Ugochinyere’s leadership, according to the resolution, represents a beacon of hope for restoring unity and strength to the PDP in Imo State.
