Ward excos suspend Nasarawa APC chairman

Executive members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gayam Ward, Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, have suspended the party’s state chairman, Aliyu Bello, over alleged anti-party activities.

The ward leaders, who convened in Lafia, the state capital, on Tuesday, said Bello’s actions had brought embarrassment to the party and undermined its efforts to build internal cohesion and advance its objectives.

Announcing the suspension to journalists, the Gayam Ward Chairman, Ibrahim Iliyasu, said the decision was taken in response to findings that Bello had committed a serious breach of party loyalty and discipline.

“We, the undersigned executive members of the All Progressives Congress, Gayam Ward in Lafia LGA of Nasarawa State, hereby suspend you, Aliyu Bello, from the party with immediate effect,” Iliyasu said.

He explained that the decision followed investigations into complaints from ward members about Bello’s conduct, which allegedly contravenes Article 21 of the APC Constitution (as amended), dealing with discipline and party conduct.

“Specifically, we have credible evidence and reports that you have openly promoted and campaigned for a member of another political party, in direct violation of Article 21(i), (ii), and (vii), which prohibit acts that bring the party into disrepute, anti-party activities, and support for rival parties,” Iliyasu said.

He added that Bello’s conduct had damaged the party’s image and contravened the loyalty expected of its leaders.

“In line with the powers vested in us as ward executives under Article 21(D)(i)-(iii) of the APC Constitution, and following wide consultations with stakeholders, we resolve as follows: that you, Hon. Aliyu Bello, are hereby suspended from the APC with immediate effect, pending further investigation and disciplinary action by higher party organs.

“This resolution will be communicated to the Lafia Local Government Executive Committee, the Nasarawa State Executive Committee, and the National Working Committee (NWC) for ratification and further action.

“We urge you to desist from parading yourself as a party member pending the conclusion of this process. Accept the assurances of our highest regards.”

Other Gayam Ward officials present at the briefing and who endorsed the suspension include Ward Secretary Ibrahim Kwande, Legal Adviser Adamu Musa Alkali, PRO Mohammed Dahiru, and Women Leader Fatimah Ibrahim.

While Bello could not be immediately reached for comment, his suspension came less than 24 hours after the party’s state publicity secretary, Douglas Otaru, issued a statement alleging that a governorship aspirant was behind a plot to unseat him.

“For clarity, the ward officials lack the constitutional authority to pass a vote of no confidence, suspend, or expel a state executive committee member. We strongly caution that any party official found to be involved will face disciplinary action in accordance with the party’s constitution,” Otaru stated.