The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Iyorchia Ayu, has been suspended with immediate effect by executives of his home ward in Benue state.
The ward suspended Ayu for anti-party activities after passing a vote of no confidence on him, in a move similar to the way Comrade Adams Oshiomhole was removed as chairman of APC.
The move was also similar to the way the PDP got rid of Ayu’s predecessor Prince Uche Secondus.
In November 2019 Oshiomhole was suspended by the APC leadership in his Etsako Ward 10 in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State for alleged anti-party activities.
His legal fight to retain his job ended with the appeal court ruling in June 2020, affirming his suspension as party member.
Similarly, Prince Uche Secondus, Ayu’s predecessor was suspended by Ward 5 of Andoni Local Government Area of the state, which is his primary base, after an extraordinary meeting of the ward executives on 31 August 2021.
Ayu’s ward in Benue appeared to be following the script.
Secretary of the party in Igyorov ward, Vanger Dooyum, said Ayu’s anti-party activities – alongside his allies – contributed to PDP’s loss in his ward and local government in the governorship election.
Ayu was also accused of not paying his annual dues as enshrined by the party’s constitution.
Twelve out of the seventeen exco members, including the ward chairman Kashi Philip signed the letter endorsing Ayu’s suspension.
They also alleged that the PDP chairman did not vote during the governorship and state assembly elections held on 18 March.
According to them, most of Ayu’s closest allies worked for the opposition All Progressive Congress (APC) which resulted in the abysmal performance of the PDP in Igyorov Ward.
" Iyorchia Ayu, PDP
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