The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has reversed the expulsion of Dr Cairo Ojougboh, the former Executive Director (Projects) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), by the Chairman of Ika South Local Government area in Delta State.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the party’s National Legal Adviser, Ahmad El-Marzuq, declared the expulsion “null, void, and of no effect.”
In a letter dated June 5, 2023, issued in Abuja, the National Legal Adviser responded to the controversial action by the local party leadership. He criticised their move as lacking substance and validity.
The expulsion of Ojougboh from the APC was announced by Mr Hilary Ibude, the Chairman of Ika South Local Government Area, in March 2023.
Ibude justified the decision based on multiple petitions and recommendations concerning Ojougboh’s alleged anti-party activities.
However, the National Legal Adviser of the APC refuted Ibude’s claims, asserting that he provided no concrete evidence to justify Ojougboh’s expulsion.
He further argued that the crucial element of a fair hearing was not afforded to Ojougboh in the process.
“The party receives your letter dated March 28, 2023, in respect of the subject matter.
“In your letter under reference, you attached the resolution of Ika South Local Government Area in Delta to expel Dr Cairo Ojougboh from the party.
“I have gone through the resolution of the Chairman of Ika South Local Government Area approving the expulsion of Ojougboh from the party.
“And it is my observation from the documents availed to the party that there was no evidence that the crucial element of fair hearing was afforded to Ojougboh to justify the resolution to expel him,” the Legal Adviser said.
