PDP trustee slams party leadership over alleged breaches of constitution, ruleslll

Jones Onyereri, a senior member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, has publicly criticised the party’s recent disciplinary actions, describing them as violations of both the PDP constitution and Nigerian law.

Onyereri, who spoke on ARISE News on Monday, specifically referenced the expulsion of 11 party members by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

According to Onyereri, “The party’s leadership ignored established procedures and constitutional provisions.

“Section 57 of the constitution provides a clear roadmap on disciplining party members. Following those steps would ensure adherence to the law.

“Instead, what we have witnessed is a breach of the 1999 Constitution as amended, violations of the Electoral Act, disregard for IMF guidelines, and flouting of the PDP constitution itself,” he said.

Onyereri added that these actions undermine the principles of constitutional order and conflict resolution.

He further stressed that legality should underpin party legitimacy. “The honest truth is that legality is the foundation of legitimacy.

”Respect for the rule of law and compliance with court judgments are critical.

”This is not about siding with any individual; it is about being on the path of justice, and that is what must guide the party going forward,” he said.

Onyereri also reflected on the role of the PDP Board of Trustees, insisting that the board is expected to act as the moral compass of the party.

“We are supposed to maintain neutrality and provide stability at all times. Unfortunately, recent actions by the leadership have compromised the board’s moral authority.

”Public decisions and narratives have misled members and eroded confidence in the board’s objectivity,” he added.

On the origins of the current internal crisis, Onyereri pointed to disputes surrounding the position of the national secretary.

He argued that the conflict could have been resolved by adhering to the party constitution.

“The PDP constitution, through sections 47, 5, and 8, provides guidance on this matter.

”Yet, because the party kept key issues public from a political perspective, it allowed a false narrative to spread, misleading the board and creating unnecessary tension,” he said.

Addressing claims of undue influence in disciplinary committees, Onyereri stated, “If I support someone because they are on the right side, I do so fully and without apology.

”But on this matter, the leadership is wrong. The truth must prevail, and the issues we face are self-inflicted.”

He also criticised what he described as the reneging of agreements within the party.

“There was an agreement that Congress should be held in the South Coast.

”Yet, personal interests led to a change of plan. This is unfair and disenfranchises party members who expect transparency and adherence to agreements,” he said.

Onyereri’s remarks come amid heightened tensions within the PDP, with many observers expressing concern that internal disputes could weaken the party’s cohesion ahead of future electoral contests.