Why PDP suspended serving Senator, Reps candidate – Official

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday night announced the suspension of Senator Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu State), Ayeni Funso (Ekiti) and Chief Chris Ogbu (Imo State), and five others over alleged anti-party activities.

While Nnamani is a serving Senator, a former governor and senatorial candidate, Funso is gunning for House of Representatives seat in the Nigeria’s February 25, 2023 election.

PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologbondiyan, said, “It considered them for suspension after extensive review and consideration of the affairs of its party pursuant to the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).”

The statement reads in part, “The NWC also approved the suspension of these 6 members in Ekiti State chapter: Ayeni Funso -(Ekiti North), Ajijola Lateef Oladimeji -(Ekiti Central), Emiola Adenike Jennifer -(Ekiti South II), Ajayi Babatunde Samuel -(Ekiti North II), Olayinka James Olalere -(Ekiti Central), Akerele Oluyinka -(Ekiti North I) and Fayose Oluwajomiloju John -(Ekiti Central I).

“The urged all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our party to remain united and focused on the mission to rescue and rebuild Nigeria from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

In a related development, the PDP NWC also dissolved its Ekiti State Executive Committee.

In a statement by Ologunagba, PDP explained that this was done after careful deliberations and extensive consultations and in pursuant to Sections 29(2)(b) and 31(2)(e) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).

It stated, “In its place the NWC, on behalf of NEC has approved the appointment of Ekiti State Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the Party in the State for a period of three (3) months effective from today Friday, January 20, 2023 and to function pursuant to Section 24(2) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).

“The NWC also approved the appointment of Arch. Sadiq Obanoyen as Chairman of the PDP Ekiti State Caretaker Committee.

“The PDP urges all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party in Ekiti State to remain united and focused on the task ahead.”