Why PDP Suspended Anambra Governorship Candidate Jude Ezenwafor
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State has officially suspended its candidate in the just-concluded governorship election, Jude Ezenwafor, following what it described as uncooperative and destructive conduct during the campaign period.
Ezenwafor was seen at the Light House in Awka, the seat of the Anambra State government, congratulating Professor Chukwuma Soludo, the victorious governor, while the state executive committee of the PDP met at the party’s secretariat to ratify his suspension. The move came after a series of disputes over Ezenwafor’s actions during the campaign.
The PDP chairman in Anambra, Chidi Chidebe, briefed journalists after the meeting, detailing Ezenwafor’s behaviour, which he described as damaging to the party.
According to Chidebe, after securing the party’s ticket, Ezenwafor went into hiding, refusing to hold meetings, organize rallies, or seek support from the party. Instead, he later claimed to have been attacked and shot in Abuja, a story the party found dubious.
The PDP state executive committee released a communique addressing the outcome of the election, which was largely peaceful and transparent.
However, the committee expressed deep concerns about Ezenwafor’s behavior, stating, “The candidate exhibited attitudes and tendencies that were not only uncooperative but outrightly destructive to the collective interest of the party.”
It went on to highlight that Ezenwafor’s performance in his own ward, Nnobi Ward 3 in Idemili South Local Government Area, was particularly disastrous, with him securing only one vote in a ward with twelve polling units.
“This abysmal performance represents the worst result for PDP in any ward across the state and clearly exposes his lack of character, credibility, and commitment to both the party and the election,” the communique read.
After reviewing Ezenwafor’s actions, the PDP state executive committee decided to suspend him for one month, with further disciplinary actions recommended to the state disciplinary committee.
The communique also instructed that the National Working Committee (NWC) be notified, advising them not to grant Ezenwafor or his collaborators any further access to the party’s National Secretariat.
The party also called on the FCT Police Command to investigate Ezenwafor’s claims of being shot. The communique raised concerns that Ezenwafor had not provided any proof of his alleged attack, with no security or hospital reports substantiating his claim.
The PDP expressed disappointment over the results in Ezenwafor’s ward, where he secured only one vote, while party members worked tirelessly to rally support for the PDP’s cause.
The party described the election as the worst in its history in Anambra, blaming Ezenwafor’s conduct for the poor showing.