The Imo State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Charles Ugwu, has been suspended over alleged gross misconduct and insubordination.

The suspension, which took effect immediately, was announced in a statement by Njaba Duruiheoma, the party’s state secretary on Tuesday.

Following Ugwu’s suspension, the PDP chairman of Okigwe LGA, Chidi Dike, has been appointed as interim chairman of the party in the state.

The motion for Ugwu’s suspension was moved by the PDP chairman of Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area, Emeka Alihe and seconded by Chairman of the party in Owerri municipal, Godspower Apollos.

The motion was also adopted by chairmen of at least 18 other LGAs and members of the State Executive Committee as far back as October 24.

Alihe, who moved the motion in October, also accused the suspended party chairman of failing to summon a meeting of the state working committee, contrary to the provisions of section 21 (3) of the party’s constitution.

“No justifiable reason for failing to attend any of the thank-you tours embarked upon by the governorship candidate of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, to the 27 L.G.As of Imo state including that of Owerri Municipal council that was done at the state secretariat of this party, contrary to S. 58(i) (e) of the party constitution, notwithstanding that he was duly notified of the tour,” Alihe said.