The Imo state chapter of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, has taken the decision to suspend Charles Duruimo, who served as the state chairman of the party.

This action was announced through a statement released in Owerri on Sunday by Nze Amadi, the State Secretary, and Gozie Ekeogu, the State Organizing Secretary. The party officials alleged that Duruimo conducted governorship primaries without the knowledge or involvement of party executives and members, which resulted in the selection of Odunzeh Ben as the candidate for the November 2023 Imo governorship election.

Furthermore, the party officials expressed their disassociation from the process that led to Odunzeh Ben’s selection as the candidate, emphasizing that they were not part of it. Additionally, they raised concerns about Duruimo’s alleged close ties with the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and other related issues.

According to them, “Regrettably, the state chairman has been engaging in anti-party activities and other sundry actions with the APC, His activities and robust relationships with the APC, leaders, and stakeholders before and after the 2023 elections are high proof of party sabotage which his measure of party polling agents tags and its usage by the APC, is evidenced. 

“That Chief Charles Duruimo secretly schedule and carried out the NNPP substitution primary for Imo gubernatorial election on 23rd May 2023 without the knowledge and notification of the state exco the delegates, not the state secretary and organizing secretary.

“With these reasons stated above, therefore, the Imo state expanded excos comprising the state executives and LGA Chairmen hereby unanimously; pass a vote of confidence on the state chairman, Chief Sir Charles Mandis Duruimo.

“State that Chief Duruimo is hereby suspended as the Imo state chairman of the party with immediate effect.”

“That Chief Paul Aballa (state Vice Chairman, Orlu zone ) is hereby unanimously appointed as the NNPP acting Imo state chairman pending the full investigation of the petition against him before the INEC and consequently, the state congress to elect another chairman.

“All party members and the general public are hereby directed /advised to stop dealing with Chief Charles Chukwuemeka Mandis Duruimo as the NNPP Imo state chairman forthwith or do so at your own risk. Party members and the members of the public are therefore directed to deal with the Acting state chairman, Chief Paul Aballa going forward,” they said.