The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stated that it will probe the suspension of its National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, at the ward level.
The party executive at Igyorov ward of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, on Sunday, suspended Ayu over alleged anti-party activities.
The Secretary of the party at the ward, Vangeryina Dooyum, announced Ayu’s suspension on behalf of the ward chairman, Kashi Philip, at a media briefing on Sunday.
In a statement signed by 12 out of the 17 members of the ward executive, Dooyum said the decision to suspend the Ayu was reached after the ward leadership reviewed his conduct at the end of the just-concluded general elections.
He stated that the executive also passed a vote of no confidence in Ayu and suspend him as a party member with immediate effect, adding that the suspension takes effect from March 24, 2023.
Reacting to the development, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, said the national leadership of the party was shocked and surprised to receive the news.
In a chat with The Punch, Ologunagba said the party will verify the true state of affairs that led to the suspension of the national chairman and react accordingly.
He 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.”
Also speaking, the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Bemgba Iortyom, said the party leadership in the state received the decision by the ward with surprise.
Iortyom disclosed that the state executive may meet on Monday (today) over the matter and react appropriately.
He 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.”
