PDP’s BOT demand for immediate resignation of the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the party insisted yesterday that Anyanwu should remain in office.
Anyanwu, who doubles as the party’s governorship candidate in next month’s election in Imo State, risks disqualification from the poll.
The Acting Chairman of the BOT, Senator Adolphus Wabara, conveyed the decision of the organ to the Acting National Chairman of the party, Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagun, in an October 12, 2023 letter.
The BOT accused Anyanwu of constitutional breach by holding the office of the National Secretary and hanging on to the governorship ticket of the party at the same time.
The organ described Anyanwu’s action as morally wrong.
The letter reads: “It has recently come to the attention of the Board of Trustees (BOT) that the current Imo State Gubernatorial Candidate of our Party, Sen. Anyanwu is still holding on to the Office of the National Secretary of the party.
“Not only is this morally wrong as no one is allowed to hold dual positions; but also, against the constitutional provision of our Party which provides for a mandatory requirement of resignation for any party office holder who wishes to contest any elective position. Please see section 47(5) of our constitution as amended.
“The usual practice is for him to have resigned earlier than now. However, in the wisdom of the NWC, he was allowed to continue in office till now.
“Nonetheless, the BOT, as the conscience of the party, has the constitutional authority to call to order any member of the party acting in a way contrary to the guiding principles of our party, and this is one of them.”
The BOT asked the National Chairman and the NWC to ensure immediate resignation of Anyanwu.
It said:”It is therefore against the background of the above, the Board wishes to put it on record and state categorically that the NWC should do the right thing by ensuring that the Imo Gubernatorial Candidate resigns from office immediately and focus on the election which is less than 30 days away.
“While thanking you for your unwavering support and commitment to the party, please accept the assurances of my highest regards.”
