The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bauchi State has suspended Hon. Habibu Umar, the lawmaker representing Kirfi Constituency in the Bauchi State House of Assembly, for alleged insubordination.
The suspension was officially communicated in a letter signed by Samaila Burga, the PDP State Chairman, and sent to the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly.
The letter stated that Umar was found guilty of insubordination following an investigation carried out according to the party’s constitution.
The party had issued Umar a query on November 5, citing violations of sections 58 (9)(1) and (f) of the PDP Constitution (2017, as amended).
The allegations stemmed from a report by the executive committee of his ward in Beni, accusing him of actions contrary to the party’s rules.
In response to the report, the PDP formed a disciplinary committee on November 11 to investigate the matter.
Burga explained that the committee’s findings led to Umar’s indefinite suspension, in line with sections 59 (4) and (5) of the party’s constitution.
As a result, Umar was prohibited from engaging in any party activities from November 25, 2024, until further notice.
Lawmaker Denies Fair Hearing
Hon. Habibu Umar has since spoken out against the suspension, accusing the party of denying him a fair hearing.
In a phone interview, he expressed dissatisfaction with the process, claiming that despite receiving a query and responding to it, he was not invited to present his side of the story before the disciplinary committee.
“I have not been given a chance to explain myself,” Umar stated.
“I am currently consulting with key stakeholders on my next steps. Normally, a fair hearing would require that I be given the opportunity to defend myself before any decision is made, but that did not happen here.”