The Ebonyi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced Goodluck Chidiebere Egwu, the party’s Zonal Youth Leader, as its nominee for the position of National Vice Chairman, South-East. This decision follows the expulsion of the former holder of the position, Ali Odefa, over allegations of anti-party activities.
In a letter addressed to the party’s Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Illiya Damagum, and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, the Ebonyi PDP leadership justified Egwu’s nomination as a necessary step after Odefa’s removal.
Odefa’s expulsion stems from a Federal High Court ruling in Abakaliki, which upheld his initial suspension by the Oguduokwor Ward in Onicha Local Government Area. Following the ruling, the Oguduokwor Ward Disciplinary Committee heard the charges against him and ultimately recommended his expulsion. On December 12, 2024, the PDP executives at Oguduokwor Ward confirmed Odefa’s expulsion.
The nomination of Egwu has gained widespread endorsement from prominent PDP leaders in Ebonyi State. Signatories to the letter include Chief Onwe S. Onwe, former Acting National Secretary; Senator Paulinus Igwe Nwagu, the 2023 Deputy Governorship Candidate; Chief John Igboke, former Deputy National Youth Leader; and Chief Paul Okorie, a former Governorship Aspirant.
Additional endorsements came from Chief Austin Edeze, Director General of the 2023 PDP Governorship Campaign Council, alongside all PDP National Assembly and House of Assembly candidates from the 2023 general elections.
The letter nominating Egwu has been submitted to key stakeholders, including the Acting National Chairman, the National Secretary, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and the PDP Governors’ Forum.
Egwu’s nomination marks a significant reshuffle within the party, reflecting its determination to address internal disputes and reinforce its leadership structure in the South-East zone. Observers await further developments as the PDP positions itself for the challenges ahead in the region.
