An Abuja High Court has declared the expulsion of Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) illegal and void, reinstating the federal lawmaker as a bonafide member of the party.
Justice N. Iheme, who presided over the case, ruled that Ugochinyere’s expulsion by a faction of the Imo PDP loyal to Senator Samuel Anyanwu lacked legal standing. The court emphasized that under the PDP Constitution, only the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has the authority to discipline a sitting member of the National Assembly.
In its judgment, the court also noted that the PDP, in its sworn affidavit, denied expelling Ugochinyere and clarified that no disciplinary committee was set up by the NEC to investigate or sanction him.
Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato North/South Federal Constituency in Imo State, has consistently denied allegations against him, including claims of bribery involving the Speaker to secure his role as chairman of a House Committee.
The ruling is a significant setback for the factional elements within the Imo PDP and reaffirms Ugochinyere’s position in the party and the legislature.
