The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State has suspended its governorship candidate in the recently concluded election, Mr. Jude Ezenwafor, accusing him of undermining the party’s interests and engaging in conduct detrimental to its success at the polls.

The decision followed a crucial meeting of the PDP State Executive Committee held at the party’s secretariat in Awka, where members unanimously adopted a resolution sanctioning Ezenwafor for one month pending further disciplinary action.

A Candidate Gone Rogue

Announcing the decision to journalists after the meeting, Anambra PDP Chairman, Hon. Chidi Chidebe, described Ezenwafor’s actions throughout the election season as “uncooperative, evasive, and destructive to the unity and progress of the party.”

According to Chidebe, the candidate went completely incommunicado shortly after clinching the party’s ticket, refusing to attend campaign meetings, organize rallies, or mobilize grassroots support.

“Instead of leading our campaign from the front, Mr. Ezenwafor distanced himself from the party and later fabricated stories of being attacked and shot in Abuja — claims that were never substantiated by any police report or hospital record,” the chairman stated.

Controversy at the Government House

The situation reportedly worsened when Ezenwafor was seen at the Anambra State Government House, Light House, Awka, personally congratulating Professor Chukwuma Soludo, the victorious candidate in the election. This act, party officials said, took place while the PDP executive committee was still in session reviewing the party’s performance.

Many members viewed his visit as a public betrayal of the party’s collective struggle, deepening discontent within the ranks.

Worst Electoral Showing in Party History

In its post-election assessment, the state PDP described the poll as “the most disappointing in the party’s history in Anambra State,” squarely blaming Ezenwafor’s poor leadership and indifference for the outcome.

Shockingly, official figures from his home base, Nnobi Ward 3 in Idemili South Local Government Area, showed that the PDP received just one vote across twelve polling units — a performance party officials termed “disastrous and embarrassing.”

“This result, unprecedented in our party’s history, exposes the candidate’s lack of credibility, grassroots connection, and commitment to the ideals of the PDP,” the committee’s communiqué read.

Disciplinary Action and Police Investigation

Following deliberations, the state executive resolved to suspend Ezenwafor for one month, pending further recommendations from the State Disciplinary Committee.

The communique also urged the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to take note of his conduct and restrict his access to the PDP National Secretariat until investigations are concluded.

Also Read: INEC Confirms Soludo’s Re-Election with Official Certificate of Return in Awka

In addition, the PDP called on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command to investigate Ezenwafor’s claims of being shot in Abuja. The party noted with concern that no evidence had been provided to support the allegation, raising suspicions that the story was fabricated to deflect criticism.

A Call for Rebuilding

Despite the setback, the Anambra PDP expressed gratitude to loyal party members who worked tirelessly during the campaign. The leadership vowed to rebuild trust, reorganize its structures, and reposition the party for future elections.

“Our party is determined to rise from this moment of embarrassment. The PDP remains a family, but discipline and accountability must guide our conduct moving forward,” the statement concluded.