The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has demanded an investigation into the suspension of its National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu.
Daily Report Nigeria recalls that the Ayu was suspended on Sunday by executives of his ward.
Secretary of the PDP in Igyorov Ward of Gboko Local Government Area, Mr Vangeryina Dooyum, had announced Ayu’s suspension at a media briefing.
Dooyum, who spoke on behalf of the ward Chairman, Kashi Philip, explained that Ayu was suspended for anti-party activities.
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He further revealed the decision to suspend the national chairman was reached after the ward leadership reviewed Ayu’s conduct at the end of the just-concluded general elections.
The statement signed by 12 out of the 17 members of the ward executive had read:
“We observed with utmost dismay that Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, who is the National Chairman of the PDP, worked against the success of the party in Igyorov council ward. It is on record that he has also failed to pay his annual subscription fees as provided under Section 8(9) of the constitution of the PDP 2017 (as amended).
“Further investigation also revealed that he did not vote during the governorship and state assembly elections held on March 18, 2023. It was also discovered that most of his closest allies worked for the opposition party, the All Progressive Congress, and hence, the abysmal performance of the PDP in Igyorov Ward.
“In view of the foregoing, we hereby pass a vote of no confidence in Dr. Iyorchia Ayu and suspend him as a member of our party with immediate effect. The suspension takes effect from March 24, 2023.”
However, the leadership of the PDP at the state level appeared surprised by the ward’s decision to suspend the national chairman.
The party’s state Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyo suggested that the leadership would meet on Monday to look into the matter.
Iortyom said:
“I am not the state chairman of the party, so I cannot say anything for now but this thing just happened today (Sunday) and by tomorrow (today) the state exco might probably meet over the development.
“I can’t say if we are aware of this. Mind you, this action is not emanating from us at the state level; we can only get to say something when we get the full details.”
Also, reacting to the development was the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, who said;
“Like other Nigerians, I read of the purported suspension this (Sunday) evening and you will agree with me that the party is not in a position to react formally at the moment.
“We will verify the true state of affairs that led to this and react accordingly. Whatever we say now will not be enough but I hope that by tomorrow (Monday), the whole thing will be clearer.”
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