PDP National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu has asserted that the party’s constitution expressly prohibits any organ of the Peoples Democratic Party—whether at the ward, state, or national level—from taking disciplinary action against a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC). Consequently, only the NEC itself has the authority to suspend him. Ayu described the recent announcement of his suspension as “mischief, drama and propaganda,” calling it a futile exercise born of “gross ignorance and desperation.” He disclosed these remarks on Monday through a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Simon Imobo‑Tswam, a day after the Benue State chapter announced his suspension.
The suspension was reportedly announced on Sunday by ward executives in Igyorov Ward of Gboko Local Government Area, Benue State. Ward Secretary Vangeryina Dooyum, acting on behalf of Ward Chairman Kashi Philip, cited alleged anti‑party activities as the basis for the action. The statement cited Article 57(7) of the PDP constitution, as amended in 2017, which bars any party organ or executive committee at the ward or state level from disciplining a member of the NEC. Ayu argued that the purported suspension is therefore “an exercise in futility,” rooted in “gross illiteracy, ignorance, gambling and desperation,” and serves only “mischief, drama and propaganda” value.
Ayu further suggested that some members of the executive committees were being “tele‑guided by political gamblers to cause mischief and nothing more,” and he denied having been suspended by his ward. He urged the public to ignore the rumors, stating that those behind the plot were “investing in expensive illusions.” According to his statement, the suspension letter was drafted by an illiterate individual and forced upon coerced members to sign in Makurdi. The document, he claimed, was falsified: the original date was typed as 24 March, and it incorrectly referenced the presidential, NASS, and governorship/state assembly elections held on 25 March and 18 March 2023, respectively. Ayu alleged that the signatures of the ward executives were forged or obtained under duress, and that the chairman, his deputy, and the legal adviser of the Benue chapter did not sign the letter.
In the aftermath of the 2023 general elections, several PDP leaders—including former governors Ayo Fayose (Ekiti), Shehu Shema (Katsina), Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu), and former Senate President Anyim Pius—faced suspensions or expulsions over alleged anti‑party activities. Ayu’s statement underscores his contention that the recent suspension attempt lacks legal standing and is fundamentally fraudulent.
Comments are closed for this story.