Deji Adeyanju slams PDP over Ikenga Ugochinyere’s expulsion

Renowned human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring it a “dead party awaiting funeral rites” following the controversial expulsion of Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, a House of Representatives member from Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State.

Adeyanju’s remarks have reignited debates about internal conflicts within the opposition party.

On December 5, the PDP’s Ideato Local Government Area chapter expelled Ugochinyere over allegations of gross indiscipline, insubordination, and anti-party activities.

The expulsion was conveyed in a letter signed by the chapter’s Chairman, Hon. ThankGod Okeke, and Secretary, Onyebuchi Umeh.

Ugochinyere, who also serves as the spokesman for the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), has been a vocal figure within and beyond the PDP.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP quickly overturned the expulsion, describing it as unauthorized and lacking procedural validity. Despite this, the action has drawn significant criticism, exposing the cracks in the party’s internal cohesion.

Reacting to the incident, Adeyanju took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to denounce the expulsion, accusing the PDP of selective justice and describing it as a joke.

He questioned why prominent figures like Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have not faced similar disciplinary actions despite alleged anti-party activities.

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“Ikenga Ugochinyere, the courageous one, has been expelled for anti-party activities by APC moles who are in charge of PDP, but Wike is still a member of the PDP. The jokes write themselves daily. The PDP is a dead party awaiting funeral rites,” Adeyanju wrote.

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Ugochinyere’s expulsion has revived discussions about double standards within the PDP. Critics, including Adeyanju, argue that Wike’s high-profile political maneuvers—often perceived as aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—have gone unpunished. Wike’s role in recent elections and his public criticisms of the PDP leadership have fueled allegations of anti-party behavior.

This controversy comes as the PDP grapples with internal divisions and leadership challenges. Analysts suggest that such public disputes could further weaken the party’s credibility and organizational stability ahead of upcoming elections.

Political analyst Dr. Olufemi Adesina noted, “The PDP’s handling of internal discipline and loyalty is becoming a litmus test for its survival. The inconsistent application of sanctions may alienate its members and undermine its image as a unified opposition.”

While Ugochinyere has yet to issue a formal statement on the matter, his allies have described the expulsion attempt as politically motivated and an attack on his outspoken nature. They argue that his leadership within the CUPP has made him a target for those seeking to silence critical voices.

The NWC’s intervention to reverse Ugochinyere’s expulsion underscores the leadership’s effort to maintain control over party discipline. However, the incident highlights deeper issues within the PDP that demand resolution if the party aims to present a united front in future political contests.

As the fallout continues, the PDP faces mounting pressure to address perceptions of favoritism and enforce consistent policies across all members, regardless of their political stature. Whether it can navigate these challenges without further fracturing remains uncertain.