PDP Expels Abia Lawmaker For Supporting Gov Otti’s ‘Good Works’

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expelled Honourable Rowland Chinwendu Dennis, the lawmaker representing Isialangwa South State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, over alleged anti-party activities.

Dennis, in a letter seen by THE WHISTLER and addressed to the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, confirmed his expulsion and announced his defection to the Labour Party.

In the letter dated February 25, 2025, the lawmaker stated that his support for the policies and “good works” of Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party was deemed unacceptable by the PDP leadership in his ward.

“My expulsion from the People’s Democratic Party of my ward, Omoba ward 7, was communicated to me by a letter dated 24th February 2025, and the decision has been ratified and affirmed by the People’s Democratic Party at the Local Government level,” Dennis wrote.

Citing internal crises within the PDP at both the national and state levels, Dennis said he had no choice but to join the Labour Party to contribute to the development of his constituency under Governor Otti’s leadership.

“I am delighted to join the Labour Party as I am fully aware that the Labour Party as a political party is built on the tenets of justice and fair play and that is why it is today recognized as one of the best political institutions in our democratic journey as a nation,” he added.

THE WHISTLER recalls that this is not the first time an opposition party would be expelling its members in the Abia assembly for supporting the Otti administration.

In May, the Young Progressives Party (YPP) expelled two lawmakers — Hon. Ahuama Fyne Onyekachi (Osisioma South) and Hon. Iheanacho Nwogu (Osisioma North) — for alleged remarks they made in support of Otti’s administration.

THE WHISTLER reported that Onyekachi was accused of making pro-Otti statements and was given an opportunity to defend himself before a panel set up by YPP.

However, his response was deemed unsatisfactory by his ward executives, leading to his expulsion. The YPP executives at the local and national levels later endorsed the decision.

With the development, the political dynamics in the Abia may continue to shift in favour of the Labour Party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The PDP, which ruled Abia for 24 years before suffering huge defeat during the 2023 general election, has been hit by a gale of high-profile defections after it lost power.

Among heavyweights who have dumped the PDP since the 2023 general election include the party’s former chairman, Senator Emma Nwaka; immediate past Speaker of the Abia assembly, Hon. Chinedum Orji, and Chris Nkwonta, the lawmaker representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency of Abia in the House of Representatives.

The latest defection now leaves the PDP with 11 lawmakers in the 24-member state assembly.