The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially withdrawn Dr Chimaroke Nnamani from the 2023 senatorial election.
In other words, Nnamani is not contesting the Enugu East senatorial election slated for March 11, 2023 as a candidate of the PDP.
The election, which to hold on February 25, was however rescheduled at the instance of Labour Party, whose candidate Oyibo Chukwu was brutally murdered in Enugu. The Labour Party said it needed a little time to pick a replacement for the slain Oyibo.
But in a memo to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) issued by the HoD, Cabinet Affairs, Mr. Anicho Okoro, on behalf of the National Secretary, the party reiterated that Nnamani has been expelled.
Below is an extract from the memo:
Expulsion of Senator Chimaroke Nnamani from the PDP:
“The National Working Committee (NWC) of the party at its 566th meeting of Friday February 10, 2023 in the exercise of the power conferred on it by Section 29(2)(b) of the Party’s Constitution (as amended in 2017) and acting on behalf of the National Executive Committee discussed the Report of the National Disciplinary Committee and approved the expulsion of Senator Chimaroke Nnamani from the Peoples Democratic Party with effect from February 10,2023.
“This is for your information and further necessary action, please.”
Besides, the party’s National Chairman in a separate letter to INEC, also informed electoral umpire of its automatic withdrawal of the former governor of Enugu State from the senatorial race.
The letter dated February 22, 2023 and acknowledged by INEC read:
The Chairman,
Independent National Electoral Commission,
Plot 436 Zambezi Crescent,
INEC Headquarters,
Maitama, Abuja.
‘NOTIFICATION OF EXPULSION OF SENATOR CHIMAROKE NNAMANI FROM THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY
‘The above subject matter refers.
“We write to notify you that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in exercise of its power under the Party’s Constitution (as amended in 2017) has expelled Senator Chimaroke Nnamani as a member of the Party with effect from Friday, February 10, 2023.
“Following the expulsion, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani ceases to be a member of the Party and also losses his nomination and sponsorship as candidate of the Party for Enugu East Senatorial District in the forthcoming general elections.
“The Party reiterates that it is not sponsoring any candidate for Enugu East Senatorial District in the 2023 General Elections.
“While looking forward to your immediate compliance, please accept as always, the assurances of our highest regards.
H.E. Sen. Dr. Iyorchia Ayu,
Sen. Samuel N. Anyanwu,
National Secretary.’