The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stated that it will investigate the ward-level suspension of its National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.

WITHIN NIGERIA reported that the party executive at Igyorov ward of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, on Sunday, suspended Ayu over alleged anti-party activities.

At a press conference on Sunday, Vangeryina Dooyum, the ward secretary, announced Ayu’s suspension on behalf of the ward chairman, Kashi Philip.

Dooyum stated in a statement signed by 12 of the 17 members of the ward executive that the decision to suspend the Ayu was made after the ward leadership reviewed his conduct following the recently concluded general elections.

He also stated that the executive passed a vote of no confidence in Ayu and suspended him as a party member immediately, with the suspension taking effect on March 24, 2023.

In response to the news, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the party’s national leadership was shocked and surprised.

In an interview with The Punch, Ologunagba stated that the party will investigate the circumstances that led to the suspension of the national chairman and respond accordingly.

He said:

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.

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.

Also speaking, the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Bemgba Iortyom, said the party leadership in the state received the decision by the ward with surprise.

Iortyom disclosed that the state executive may meet on Monday (today) over the matter and react appropriately.

He said;

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.’’

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.