A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday, July 3, 2023, declared the expulsion of Chimaroke Nnamani, former Governor of Enugu State, illegal
Nnamani who is an ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was expelled from the Peoples Democratic Party, following alleged anti-party activities, levelled against him.
The former governor who was earlier suspended for alleged anti-party activities on January 20 was formerly expelled from the PDP during the party’s 566th meeting on February 10, after he was allegedly being found guilty of the allegations of engaging in anti-party activities by the party.
Among other allegations against Nnamani, was the campaign, in favour of Senator Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, instead of supporting the PDP’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
However, Justice James Omotosho, while delivering the judgement, emphasised that Nnamani had not been afforded a fair hearing in line with the PDP’s constitution.
According to the Judge, Article 57 of the party’s constitution says only the National Executive Council is empowered to convene a disciplinary committee, whereas the decision to expel Nnamani was made by the National Working Committee of the party.
He explained that the PDP’s constitution specifies that the NEC holds the authority to take disciplinary action against any erring member holding positions such as governor, deputy governor, or serving member of the National Assembly.
However, he declared the initial expulsion served on the former senator illegal, thereby restoring his membership with immediate effect.
