By Hassanat Adebowale
A Federal High Court in Abakaliki has upheld the expulsion of Mr. Ali Odefa, the former National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the South-East. The court’s decision came after the PDP Executive Committee at Odefa’s Ward, Oguduokwor, Oshiri Community in Onicha Local Government, suspended him on October 4, 2024, for alleged anti-party activities.
Despite his suspension, Odefa continued to operate as the National Vice Chairman of the PDP in the South-East, prompting the ward executive to take legal action against him.
Delivering the judgment on Wednesday, Justice Hilary Oshomah affirmed the expulsion and granted all the reliefs sought by the ward executive committee, which included Moses Idika, Herbert Ovuta, Emmanuel Uzor, and Uzoamaka Ude, who filed the suit against Odefa, PDP, and INEC.
Justice Oshomah ruled that Odefa was validly expelled from the party. “Henceforth, PDP should not permit the first defendant, Odefa, to function as its National Vice Chairman of the South-East Zone of Nigeria, including representing the second defendant (PDP) at any engagement. The first defendant should not be allowed access to the office of the National Vice Chairman of PDP in the zone in view of the expulsion,” the judge stated.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the court’s decision effectively bars Odefa from performing any duties or holding any position within the PDP in the South-East.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/590/24, was filed by the ward executive committee members against Odefa, PDP, and INEC. The plaintiffs argued that Odefa’s continued operation as the National Vice Chairman of the PDP in the South-East was in violation of his suspension and subsequent expulsion from the party.
Justice Oshomah’s ruling reinforces the authority of the PDP Executive Committee at the ward level and underscores the importance of adhering to party regulations and decisions.
In Nigeria, political parties are seen as voluntary associations with the right to manage their own affairs, including disciplining their members. Section 223 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022 allow parties to set their own rules, and courts usually respect these rules as long as they align with constitutional principles.
This ruling highlights the power of party organs, especially at the ward level, to hold members accountable. It also emphasizes that once a party follows its internal disciplinary processes, courts are unlikely to step in unless there’s clear evidence of procedural irregularity or violation of fundamental rights.
Dear readers, we really need your support to keep on serving you with authoritative, truthful, and juicy stories everyday. For your support, please reach out to the editor @gavelinternational66@gmail.com