Senator Nnamani: What next?
There is a groundswell of opinion that the expulsion by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of ex- Enugu State Governor Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, from the party may negatively affect the party’s performance in the state during the upcoming general elections, especially in Enugu East Senatorial zone where the former governor hails from.
The embattled former governor is currently the senator representing Enugu East Senatorial zone, and candidate of the party in the forthcoming February 25 National Assembly election.
Several residents of Enugu metropolis who spoke with SummitNews expressed fear that majority of Chimaroke’s supporters may likely vote for candidates of opposition political parties in the state during the forthcoming general elections following the expulsion of the senator from the PDP.
This is even as some legal minds who spoke to SummitNews on condition of anonymity foreclosed Senator Nnamani’s participation in the upcoming February 25 National Assembly election, having been expelled by his party.
According to them, since both the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the 2022 amended Electoral Act, provide no room for independent candidates, the PDP has by its action, disqualified Senator Nnamani from contesting the forthcoming general election.
This new development may be good news for the senatorial candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party (LP), Mrs. Ada Ogbu, and Oyibo Chukwu respectively.
The PDP on Friday wielded the big stick and expelled the former Enugu state governor from the party, accusing him of involvement in anti-party activities..
This was conveyed in a statement by the party’s national publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba
The statement reads:
“The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at its 566th meeting today, Friday, February 10, 2023, approved the expulsion of the following individuals from the Party for anti-Party activities and other grave offences in violation of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017)”
Those expelled from the Party are:
1. Senator Chimaroke Nnamani – (Enugu State)
2. Hon. Chris Ogbu – (Imo State)
Others are:
1. Ajijola Lateef Oladimeji -(Ekiti Central)
2. Olayinka James Olalere -(Ekiti Central II)
3. Fayose Oluwajomiloju John -(Ekiti Central I)
4. Akerele Oluyinka -(Ekiti North I)
5. Emiola Adenike Jennifer -(Ekiti South II)
“The expulsion takes effect from today, Friday, February 10, 2023.
“The decision of the NWC is sequel to the recommendation of the National Disciplinary Committee and pursuant to Sections 58 and 59 (1)(g) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).
“The PDP charges all members of our Party across the country to remain united and focused on the mission of our Party to Rescue, Rebuild and Redirect our nation from misrule.”
