The national working committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended Rochas Okorocha, former governor of Imo.
The NWC’s decision comes less than two years after a previous suspension on Okorocha was lifted.
Okorocha’s suspension was communicated in a letter dated July 12, 2021, and signed by Mai Mala Buni and John Akpanudoedehe, national chairman and secretary of the APC caretaker committee, respectively.
According to the letter, the decision to suspend Okorocha, senator representing Imo west, is in line with the decision of the state chapter of the party, and is as a result of the former governor’s involvement in “anti-party activities”.
“This is to communicate to you, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Party ratification of your suspension by the Imo State Chapter of our great party for anti-party activities,” the letter addressed to Okorocha reads.
“The suspension follows after the recommendation by the Imo State Disciplinary Committee set up to investigate allegations of gross anti-party activities against you which is in line with Article 21 (B) I-VI of our party’s constitution.”
According to the APC NWC, Okorocha was found to be involved in “continuous discrete meetings with the opposition party both at state and national level; working in opposition to the APC-led government in Imo State; flagrant public abuse on the person and office of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria (an APC-led government)”.
The NWC also said Okorocha had other “sundry outstanding disciplinary issues with the party at the State level”.
“The party is committed towards the sustenance of democratic virtues/integrity and such, finds these anti-party activities weighty enough to ratify your suspension from the All Progressives Congress (APC) Party,” it added.
“Subsequently, the National Working Committee (NWC) shall communicate any further change on your membership status of the party.”
Okorocha has been at loggerheads with Hope Uzodimma, current governor of Imo, leading to altercations between government officials and supporters of the the lawmaker.
The Imo senator had also, on various occasions, criticised the APC.
