The Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed reports that Dr. SKC Ogbonnia has been suspended from the party, describing the purported disciplinary action as unconstitutional and without effect.
The state chairman, Dr. Johnpaul Anih, said no authorised organ of the party had taken a decision to suspend or expel Ogbonnia, who he described as a recognised member and prominent leader of the NDC.
Anih made the clarification in response to reports of Ogbonnia’s alleged suspension, which he said appeared designed to create uncertainty over the politician’s standing within the party.
According to the chairman, neither the Enugu State chapter nor any properly constituted party body had initiated or concluded disciplinary proceedings against Ogbonnia.
He argued that the group reportedly responsible for the suspension lacked the constitutional authority to take such a decision.
Anih challenged those behind the purported action to point to the specific provision of the NDC constitution that empowers them to suspend a member.
He also questioned whether the party organ with the necessary authority had formally convened to examine any allegations against Ogbonnia, whether charges were presented to him and whether he was given an opportunity to defend himself.
The chairman said the absence of these procedures rendered the purported suspension invalid.
“Where is the resolution of the competent party organ? Where is the disciplinary process? Where is the notice of hearing? Where is the decision of the appropriate authority? There is none,” Anih said.
He characterised the reported suspension as “political theatre” and insisted that the Enugu chapter would not recognise actions taken outside the party's constitutionally established structures.
Anih further stressed that ordinary membership of the NDC did not confer disciplinary powers on individuals or informal groups. Such authority, he said, rests exclusively with recognised party organs acting within the provisions of the constitution.
The chairman accused those responsible for the reported suspension of attempting to exercise powers beyond their authority and warned that such actions could fuel unnecessary divisions within the party.
Rather than focus on what he described as distractions, Anih said the legitimate leadership of the Enugu chapter was concentrating on expanding the party’s grassroots structures, mobilising supporters and preparing for future elections.
He reaffirmed the party’s position on Ogbonnia, stating that the politician remains a bona fide member of the NDC and a valued leader of the party.