By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The executive of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Igyorov Ward of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State has suspended the national chairman of the party, Mr Iyorchia Ayu, over alleged anti-party activities.
The Ward Chairman of the PDP, Mr Kachi Philip, and the secretary, Mr Vangeryina Dooyum, while addressing journalists on Sunday, said 12 out of the 17 members of the ward executives signed the resolution to suspend Mr Ayu.
They accused him of working 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, APC, and hence, the abysmal performance of the PDP in Igyorov Ward.
“In view of the foregoing, we hereby pass a Vote of No Confidence on Dr Iyorchia Ayu and suspend him as a member of our party with immediate effect. The suspension takes effect from March 24, 2023,” they declared.
Recall that prior to the just-concluded 2023 general elections, the governor of Benue State, Mr Samuel Ortom, and four other governors of Rivers, Oyo, Abia, and Enugu State, asked Mr Ayu to resign because of the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the PDP presidential candidate.
They argued that having the presidential candidate and the national chairman of the party from the northern region was against the principle of equity, fairness and justice. However, Mr Ayu rejected the call, and the governors worked against the party.
Over the weekend, the PDP directed Mr Ortom to appear before a disciplinary panel and suspended Mr Ayo Fayose, Mr Anyim Pius Anyim and two others.
Adedapo Adesanya