The crisis rocking the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has deepened following the suspension of the National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu from the party.
By Emma Ogbuehi
The crisis rocking the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has deepened following the suspension of the National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu from the party.
Ayu’s suspension was effected by the Ward Executive of the party in Igyorov Ward of Gboko Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue state.
Addressing the media Sunday, on behalf of Kashi Philip, the Ward Chairman, the Ward Secretary Mr. Vangeryina Dooyum explained that Dr. Ayu was suspended by the Executive for alleged anti-party activities.
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Reading from a text signed by 12 out of the 17 member Ward Executive, the Secretary stated that the decision to suspend the National Chairman was reached after the leadership reviewed his conduct at the end of the just concluded general elections.
Flanked by the Chairman and other members, the Secretary 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, 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.”
Since the conclusion of the PDP presidential primary in May 2022, the party has been engrossed in serious internal squabbles. The crisis in its fold saw five governors, otherwise known as G5, comprising Governors Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Nyesom Wike (Rivers), withdrawing their support for the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the run-up to the February 25 presidential election. The impasse was also blamed for the poor performance of the PDP at the polls.
As if that was not enough, the party recently suspended former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, erstwhile Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose and others for anti-party activities. Ortom was recommended to face disciplinary action.
