Imo PDP Leaders Dismiss Expulsion Reports, Affirm Ugochinyere as State Party Leader

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) executives of Umukegwu/Umuopia Ward and Ideato North Local Government Area (LGA) in Imo State have strongly refuted reports alleging the expulsion of Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the House of Representatives member representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency and recognized leader of the Imo PDP.

In a statement signed by Hon. Mathias Onuebunwa, Ward Chairman of Umukegwu/Umuopia, and Hon. Emeka Eze, LGA Chairman for Ideato North, the party leaders dismissed the expulsion claims as baseless and fabricated news designed to discredit Ugochinyere. They urged the public and party members to disregard what they described as propaganda by individuals serving external political interests.

The leaders expressed unwavering support for Ugochinyere, emphasizing his status as a respected figure and a pillar of the party in the ward, LGA, and state. According to the statement, the purported expulsion is part of a smear campaign orchestrated by pro-APC elements led by Sam Anyanwu and Umar Damagun, whom the leaders accused of undermining the PDP for personal gain.

“Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere remains a steadfast member and leader of the PDP,” the statement read. “The attempts by Anyanwu, Damagun, and their sponsors to destabilize the party have failed and will continue to fail. We owe Ikenga our confidence and gratitude for his unwavering commitment to rescuing the PDP from political traitors who seek to align with the APC for selfish interests.”

In a related development, the 27 PDP local government chairmen in Imo State have also reaffirmed Ugochinyere’s leadership. Following an emergency meeting, the chairmen unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Ugochinyere and officially declared him the state leader of the party.

A statement issued by Barr. Uche Alisigwe, Chairman of the Forum of Imo PDP Local Government Chairmen, highlighted Ugochinyere’s role in steering the party through a challenging period marked by internal disputes and external pressures. The forum praised his efforts to restructure and reconcile the party, emphasizing his importance in rebuilding Imo PDP and addressing crises in the state’s 27 LGAs.

The forum also condemned the actions of Anyanwu and Damagun, accusing them of acting as proxies for the APC to weaken the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections. They called for their removal from the party to ensure its integrity and survival.

Ugochinyere’s leadership, the forum stated, represents the best chance for the PDP to restore unity, reform its structures, and reclaim its position as a formidable opposition party in Imo State.