Chimaroke Nnamani
2023: PDP not contesting poll in Enugu East Senatorial Zone, Saturday – Chieftain
Ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State has confirmed it does not have a candidate ahead of the February 25 the state’s East Senatorial Zone election, this Saturday.
Failure of the party to field a candidate in its traditional stronghold state also means the party will not for the first time since 1999 not be contesting the poll for the Enugu East senatorial seat.
The absence of the PDP at one of the three senatorial seats in the state follows the expulsion of former State Governor, Chimaroke Nnamani who was sacked by the party’s national hierarchy over anti-paty activities, having been accused of canvassing votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2023 polls.
Reacting to the developent, former National Auditor of the PDP, Barr. Ray Nnaji, confirmed that by his expulsion, PDP has no candidate for the Enugu East Senate position.
Nnaji further stated that it is not a matter of Electoral Act, ‘ it’s a constitutional matter. The constitution says for one to contest for any electoral position, he must belong to a political party.’
Continuing, Nnaji said: “There is no room for a private candidate. So, by virtue of that expulsion, Chimaroke is not qualified to contest election.
“He also has no business at the Senate as it stands. The party should move to declare his seat vacant because he has no party as a Senator.”
In his expulsion letter dated February 10, this year, signed by the National Secretary of PDP, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu; “the (National Working Committee) NWC of the party has after a very extensive review and consideration of the affairs of our Party in the country, pursuant to the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) approved the suspension of Senator Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu State) with effect from today, Friday, January 20, 2023, over allegations of anti-party activities”.
