The crisis in the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party in Benue State took another dimension on Sunday as the ward executive of the party suspended the party’s national chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu.
The suspension of Ayu came barely a few days after the National Working Committee dragged the state Governor, Samuel Ortom, to the disciplinary committee to investigate him (Ortom) on alleged anti-party activities.
The Ward Executive of the party at Igyorov Ward of Gboko Local Government Area, LGA, of the state suspended Ayu on Sunday.
Addressing journalists on behalf of Kashi Philip, the Ward Chairman, the Ward Secretary, Mr. Vangeryina Dooyum, explained that Ayu was suspended by the executive for alleged anti-party activities.
Dooyum read from a text signed by 12 out of the 17 member Ward Executive, stating that the decision to suspend the National Chairman was reached after the leadership reviewed his conduct at the end of the just concluded general election.
The secretary who was flanked by the Ward Chairman and other members said, “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.”
