The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State deepened on Sunday when the ward executive suspended the party’s national chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu. This action came only days after the National Working Committee referred the state governor, Samuel Ortom, to a disciplinary committee to investigate alleged anti‑party activities.
The suspension was enacted by the Ward Executive of Igyorov Ward in Gboko Local Government Area. Speaking to journalists on behalf of Ward Chairman Kashi Philip, Ward Secretary Vangeryina Dooyum explained that Ayu was suspended for alleged anti‑party conduct. Dooyum read a statement signed by 12 of the 17 ward executive members, indicating that the decision followed a review of Ayu’s behavior after the recent general election.
According to the secretary, “We observed with utmost dismay that Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, 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 PDP Constitution 2017 (as amended). Further investigation revealed that he did not vote in the governorship and state assembly elections held on 18 March 2023. Moreover, most of his closest allies have aligned with the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, contributing to the poor performance of the PDP in Igyorov Ward.”
In light of these findings, the ward executive passed a vote of no confidence in Dr. Iyorchia Ayu and suspended him as a party member with immediate effect, effective from 24 March 2023.
Comments are closed for this story.