A Federal High Court in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, has upheld the expulsion of Chief Ali Odefa, the National Vice Chairman (South-East) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The court’s decision followed a suit filed by multiple applicants, including Hon. Herbert Onyedikachi, Hon. Anoke Egbe, Njoku Nwagu, Moses Idika, Ogbonnaya Idika, Obinna Chukwu, Chief John Igboke, Mrs. Ijeoma Nome, and Okorie C. Okorie, among others. The case, designated as Suit No: FHC/AI/CS/FHR/197, had Odefa, the PDP, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as respondents.
The plaintiffs sought an order restraining Odefa from identifying as a PDP member or enjoying the rights and privileges associated with party membership. They also requested the court to prevent him from holding office as the PDP’s National Vice Chairman (South-East).
Delivering judgment, Justice Hilary I. O. Oshomah granted the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs, thereby affirming Odefa’s expulsion from the PDP.
Reacting to the verdict, counsel for the plaintiffs, Chief Mudi Erhenede, praised the court’s decision and demanded N5 million in costs against Odefa. Meanwhile, the defense counsel, Ifeanyi Chukwu, stated that they had no objections to the ruling.
Odefa was expelled from the PDP on December 12, 2024, by the party executives in Oguduokwor Ward, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. His expulsion followed the recommendation of a disciplinary committee, which found him guilty of engaging in anti-party activities.
In an earlier ruling, the same court, presided over by Justice Oshomah, had awarded N100 million in damages against Odefa. It also issued an order restraining him and the police from harassing, arresting, or intimidating the applicants concerning his previous suspension from the PDP at the ward level.
