Anambra PDP Crisis Deepens: Ezenwafor Rejects Suspension, Declares Himself Party Leader

Mr. Jude Ezenwafor, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last Anambra election, has rejected his reported suspension by the state chapter of the party, describing it as invalid and unconstitutional.

The Anambra PDP State Executive Committee (SEC), led by Mr. Chidi Chidebe, had announced Ezenwafor’s suspension for one month, accusing him of sabotaging the party during the governorship election. According to the SEC, Ezenwafor failed to campaign in any ward, local government, or across the state during the entire election period, a development they said weakened the party’s prospects at the polls.

However, Ezenwafor, in a swift reaction, maintained that the Chidebe-led committee lacked the authority to suspend him. He dismissed the decision as “a nullity,” insisting that he remained the authentic leader of the PDP in Anambra.

Ezenwafor Defends His Actions, Denies Sabotage Allegation

Ezenwafor refuted claims that he sabotaged the PDP, explaining that he had withdrawn from the governorship race hours before the election due to inadequate financial support and internal disunity. He argued that his withdrawal was in the party’s interest, as he had initially accepted the ticket to prevent the PDP from total collapse in the state.

“I withdrew from the race hours before the election because I lacked the capacity to run it. I actually tried to save the party, but nobody was willing to take over the baton,” he said. Ezenwafor further described the suspension as an act of blackmail, aimed at tarnishing his image and diverting attention from the party’s internal weaknesses.

The former candidate insisted that the PDP in Anambra needed reconciliation, not division, and accused the current state executive of deepening factionalism through politically motivated actions.

Party Rift Highlights Deepening Crisis in Anambra PDP

The recent exchange between Ezenwafor and the state PDP leadership underscores the lingering crisis within the party’s Anambra chapter. The disagreement over leadership and control has continued to weaken the party’s influence in the state’s political landscape.

Political observers note that the PDP’s recurring internal disputes have consistently hindered its performance in successive elections. Many within the party are now calling for urgent intervention from the National Executive Committee (NEC) to restore order and credibility ahead of future contests.

Ezenwafor’s defiance of the suspension, coupled with his claim of being the state party leader, signals a fresh round of confrontation that could further polarize the Anambra PDP if not swiftly addressed.