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Augustine Nwazunku, the former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, has been remanded in prison alongside three other defendants over a series of serious allegations. They face charges of cultism, forgery, impersonation, and illegal suspension of Ali Odefa, the PDP’s South-east national vice-chairman. The case took a significant turn when the court, presided over by Magistrate Ojemba Isu-Oko, denied their bail request and ordered them to remain in custody until November 18, 2024.
The controversy centers around the alleged forgery of documents claiming that Odefa was suspended by the PDP executives of Ogudu-Okwor Ward in Oshiri. Odefa, however, rejected the suspension, asserting that those behind it were not legitimate ward executives. According to court documents, the group had orchestrated the forgery in a bid to undermine Odefa’s influence within the party.
In addition to the forgery charges, Nwazunku and his co-accused are being charged with being members of the Vikings Confraternity, a secret cult group that is banned in Nigeria. This adds a further dimension to the case, raising concerns about the involvement of cult groups in political maneuverings.
The PDP in Ebonyi State has been grappling with internal strife for some time, and this case highlights the escalating conflicts within the party. It comes on the heels of several high-profile defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), further weakening the PDP’s position in the state. Notably, prominent figures like Sylvester Ogbaga, a former lawmaker, have recently switched sides, creating additional instability.
As Nwazunku and the others await trial, this incident underscores the challenges facing opposition parties in Nigeria’s political landscape.
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