Council Expels Ebonyi Chairman Over Alleged Gross Misconduct

National leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has expelled the chairman of its Ebonyi State Chapter, Ernest Nwaeze, following the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings over allegations of gross misconduct.

In a press release issued yesterday by the IPAC National Secretariat in Abuja, signed by the national publicity secretary, Comrade Egbeola Wale Martins, the council said Nwaeze was initially suspended from office on June 24, 2025, after multiple formal complaints and verified communications were received against him.

The allegations, IPAC said, bordered on actions deemed inimical to the stability, integrity and orderly administration of the council in Ebonyi State.

Following his suspension, the national leadership directed the deputy state chairman to take over the affairs of the council in an acting capacity, in line with IPAC’s constitution, pending the outcome of investigations. Nwaeze was subsequently invited, via a letter dated July 7, 2025, to appear before the National Executive Council (NEC) on July 11, 2025, to respond to the allegations and show cause why further disciplinary measures should not be taken against him.

According to IPAC, the allegations included deliberately discrediting the IPAC Directorate of Women Affairs in Ebonyi State and willfully undermining the authority of the National Leadership by convening meetings of the State Council while under suspension.

Despite being given the opportunity to defend himself, the Council said his explanations were found to be unsatisfactory. The matter was thereafter referred to the IPAC Disciplinary Committee, which again afforded him a full hearing before submitting a comprehensive report to the national leadership.

After reviewing the committee’s findings, IPAC said it observed Nwaeze’s continued disregard for the terms of his suspension, his persistent parading of himself as the state chairman, and his refusal to hand over to the deputy state chairman as required by the Council’s constitution.

“After a meticulous review of the Disciplinary Committee’s report and his sustained conduct prejudicial to the unity and authority of the organization, the National Leadership reached an unavoidable conclusion,” the statement said.

IPAC consequently announced his expulsion from membership of the Council with immediate effect.

Following the decision, the deputy state chairman has been directed to assume office as acting state chairman pending the conduct of a fresh election. Where the deputy chairman is unavailable, the state secretary is to act in that capacity. Nwaeze was also ordered to immediately hand over all IPAC properties, documents and responsibilities in his possession to the appropriate officer.

The Council warned that any further representation of himself as an officer or member of IPAC would be regarded as unauthorized and treated accordingly.

Although the decision was described as difficult, IPAC said it was necessitated by repeated violations of the Council’s constitution and sustained misconduct, while wishing Nwaeze well in his future endeavours.

The statement disclosed that Nwaeze was formally notified of his expulsion in a letter dated January 8, 2026, signed by the IPAC National Secretary, Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem, and copied to relevant authorities, including the Ebonyi State Governor, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and state chairmen of political parties.