PDP Suspends National Chairman Senator Iyorchia Ayu

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Iyorchia Ayu has been suspended from his position for alleged anti-party activities.

Vangeryina Dooyum, who serves as the state Secretary of the party's Igyorov Ward of Gboko Local Government Area of ​​Benue State, announced Ayu's suspension on Sunday during the media briefing.

Dooyum explained that Ayu's suspension came after his leadership, during the gubernatorial elections held on March 18, was reviewed by the party. On behalf of the ward chairman Kashi Philip, Dooyum read the statement signed by 12 members out of 17 ward executives.

"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," the state secretary said, Punch reported. "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)."

With further investigation, it was disclosed that Ayu did not vote during the governorship and state assembly elections and the Dooyum claimed that Ayu "closest allies worked for the opposition party, the All Progressive Congress, and hence, the abysmal performance of the PDP in Igyorov Ward."

The state secretary continued, "In view of the foregoing, we hereby pass a vote of no confidence in Dr. Iyorchia Ayu and suspend him as a member of our party with immediate effect. The suspension takes effect from March 24, 2023."

The state Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom, on the other hand, disclosed to Punch that there might be another meeting based on this suspension on Monday.

"I am not the state chairman of the party, so I cannot say anything for now but this thing just happened today (Sunday) and by tomorrow (today) the state exco might probably meet over the development," Iortyom told the outlet. "I can't say if we are aware of this. Mind you, this action is not emanating from us at the state level; we can only get to say something when we get the full details."

PDP's National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba shared that things will be much clear on Monday following another meeting.

"Like other Nigerians, I read of the purported suspension this (Sunday) evening and you will agree with me that the party is not in a position to react formally at the moment," Ologunagba told the outlet. "We will verify the true state of affairs that led to this and react accordingly. Whatever we say now will not be enough but I hope that by tomorrow (Monday), the whole thing will be clearer."

Ayu's suspension came after PDP's National Working Committee (NWC) suspended the former president of the Senate of Nigeria Anyim Pius Anyim, former governor of Katsina State Ibrahim Shema and former governor of Ekiti State Ayo Fayose last week.

Anyim responded to the suspension and said it is due to NWC's leadership style that many members "intentionally and proudly" worked against PDP.