Chief Ali Odefa, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Vice Chairman for the South-East, has fiercely rejected his suspension by the party's Oguduokwor Ward in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The suspension, which was announced by the Ward’s Acting Chairman, Herbert Onyedikachi, cited anti-party activities as the reason, a move that has now sparked political tensions within the PDP.
Onyedikachi, in a statement from Abuja, said the suspension was made in line with Section 57(3) of the PDP Constitution. He noted that the decision followed a meeting of the Ward Executive Committee aimed at upholding party discipline. The case has been referred to the Ward Disciplinary Committee for further review, with the aim of maintaining the party’s values.
Chief Odefa, however, responded swiftly to the announcement, describing it as a baseless, attention-seeking move orchestrated by “faceless cowards.” In a phone interview, he questioned the legitimacy of the suspension, highlighting that the decision was announced in Abuja rather than in Ebonyi State, where the party’s core operations are based. Odefa dismissed the suspension as a politically motivated stunt by individuals seeking relevance.
He emphasized that he remains in Abakaliki, fully engaged in his work within the PDP, and suggested that the action was driven by forces with ulterior motives, far removed from the genuine interests of the party in the state. As the controversy deepens, the PDP's National Working Committee is expected to review the situation and determine whether further disciplinary measures will be taken against Odefa.
The suspension and subsequent reaction have added to the ongoing tensions within the PDP, especially in the South-East region. All eyes are now on the party’s leadership to see how they handle this internal crisis.
