The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has reignited controversy within the party following his open endorsement of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, of the Labour Party.
Wabara’s support for Otti had earlier led the Abia State chapter of the PDP to suspend him for one month over alleged anti-party activities. However, the PDP National Secretariat swiftly nullified the suspension, declaring it invalid.
Despite the criticism, Wabara once again publicly backed Governor Otti during an event at the International Conference Center, Umuahia, on Sunday. The event was held in honour of Dr. Godswill Emelike Okoro, former Secretary to the Abia State Government, who was celebrating his 80th birthday.
Speaking at the gathering, Wabara defended his position, saying, “Even a blind man can see what is happening in Abia!” He maintained that he had no regrets for supporting Otti and vowed to continue acknowledging the governor’s contributions to the state’s development. In a jesting tone, he remarked that the PDP might go beyond suspending him and opt for expelling him for “speaking the truth.”
Wabara further stated, “Before becoming a PDP card-carrying member, before becoming an NRC card-carrying member in this state, I, Adolphus Nduneweh Wabara, was first and foremost a citizen of Abia.”
His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from within the PDP. The party’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, accused Wabara of undermining the party’s interests and questioned his loyalty.
“It is either old age is catching up with Wabara or personal gains are guiding his utterances. As BoT Chairman—the conscience of the party—he should be promoting the PDP, not praising Alex Otti because of personal interests,” Osadolor stated.
He further urged Wabara to resign if he could not remain committed to the PDP.
“He should not wait to be expelled. If he cannot prioritize the PDP, he should leave voluntarily rather than continue to embarrass himself and the party,” Osadolor added.
The PDP Deputy National Youth Leader also called on the BoT to investigate Wabara for bringing the office into public disrepute, insisting that his actions were driven by personal interests rather than the party’s objectives.
