The National Vice Chairman (South East) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Ali Odefa, has dismissed reports of his suspension by a faction that recently held a press conference in Abuja.
In a telephone interview with news men, Odefa condemned the suspension as a “cowardly act” orchestrated by unknown individuals with no legitimate connection to the PDP. He questioned the authenticity of the announcement, stating, “I’m in Abakaliki as we speak. Why would they bypass the entire Ebonyi State to announce such claims in Abuja? These are merely attention seekers.”
Odefa’s reaction followed a press conference where a group claiming to represent the PDP executives in his Oguduokwor Ward, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, announced his suspension. The group, led by Herbert Onyedikachi, who introduced himself as the Acting Chairman of the PDP in Odefa’s ward, accused Odefa of anti-party activities and other offences harmful to the party’s interests.
According to Onyedikachi, the decision to suspend Odefa was taken during a ward executive meeting, in accordance with Section 57(3) of the PDP Constitution, which grants the Ward Executive Committee authority to suspend members. The group also stated that Odefa had been referred to the Ward Disciplinary Committee for further investigation.
The faction claimed the suspension aimed to preserve party discipline and uphold PDP values, urging members to remain dedicated to the party’s goals.
Chief Odefa, however, rejected the suspension, labeling it baseless and asserting that those involved were not recognized by the PDP leadership in Ebonyi State.
