Andy and Chris Ubah alongside their cohorts have been suspended by the National leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
This is, however in reaction to their roles in the recent crises which emanated from the Anambra governorship election on August 24 when parallel congress held and resulted into the election of the senator Andy Ubah as the party’s flag-bearer.
The factional chairman of the Anambra chapter, Chief Ejike Oguebego; Chief Benji Udeozor and Mrs. Anthonia Nwankwu were the others suspended.
According to a letter containing the suspension order signed by the party’s Acting National Secretary, Dr. Aderemi Akitoye and dated August 29, 2013, the decision was taken by the NWC at its 353rd meeting held on Wednesday after reviewing the events in Anambra PDP regarding the state’s primary election.
The letter read in part: “It was noted that you organised a parallel state congress which was unauthorised by the party, contrary to Section 58 (1) a, b, c, f, h and j of the PDP constitution (2012 as amended).
“In view of the seriousness of the issues involved, you are hereby suspended from the party and the case referred to the appropriate Disciplinary Committee for further necessary action”, the letter ordered.
It pertinent to recall that the suspended politicians had refrained a previous summon by the party chieftain to appear before the National Working Committee (NWC) during the week so as to defend themselves for the illegally conducted primary elections in the state.
The leadership had also urged the Inspector General of Police who is also a defendant to start investigations on how sensitive party materials were illegally procured for the parallel election.
But the Uba brothers obtained an injunction from a Federal High Court, Abuja division restraining the PDP and the Inspector General of Police from “expelling, suspending or scrutinising them or threatening their membership status”.
Benji Udeozor, Ejike Oguebego and Anthonia Nwakwo are also plaintiffs in the suit.
Besides, an aspirant for the Deputy National Chairman position, Dr. Silva Opusunju, through his Counsel Dr. Ikenna Ihezuo, wrote a letter to the Party chieftain, Bamanga Tukur warning against fielding unqualified candidates.
He noted that it would amount to an illegality if those who are not qualified ab initio, are allowed to stand for election.
Opusunju had petitioned the national chairman and the Special Convention Planning Committee, demanding the disqualification of the other aspirants on the grounds that they are not qualified.
More so, the order by Justice A. R. Mohammed which ordered the PDP to appear also precluded the plaintiffs from being arrested and adjourned the matter till 30th of August.