The crisis rocking the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party in Benue State worsened on Sunday as the ward executive of the party slammed suspension on the party’s National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu.
Ayu’s suspension is coming barely a few days after the party’s National Working Committee had dragged the State Governor, Samuel Ortom, to its disciplinary committee on alleged anti party activities.
The Ward Executive of the party at Igyorov Ward of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State suspended the national chairman on Sunday.
Addressing journalists on behalf of Kashi Philip, the Ward Chairman, the Ward Secretary, Mr Vangeryina Dooyum, explained that Senator Ayu was suspended for alleged anti party activities.
Dooyum read from a text signed by 12 out of the 17 member Ward Executive.
According to the Secretary, the decision to suspend the National Chairman was reached after the ward leadership reviewed his conduct at the end of the just concluded general elections.
He 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 Progressives 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.”