“You’re suspended” — APC Ward officials accuse Nasarawa Chair of anti-party activities

By Abel Leonard, Lafia

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, Dr. Aliyu Bello, has been suspended with immediate effect over alleged anti-party activities.

The suspension was announced on Monday during a press briefing by the chairman of the APC in Gayam Ward, Lafia Local Government Area, Mr. Ibrahim Iliyasu, who cited breaches of Article 21 of the APC Constitution as grounds for the action.

“We, the undersigned Executive Members of the All Progressives Congress, Gayam Ward in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, hereby write to formally suspend you, Hon. Aliyu Bello, from the party with immediate effect,” Iliyasu declared.
He stated that the suspension followed a unanimous decision by all ward officials after complaints were filed and reviewed.

“This decision arises as a result of an investigation of complaints by ward members of your anti-party activities contrary to Article 21 of the APC Constitution (as amended), which outlines the conduct expected of members and the disciplinary measures to be taken against infractions,” Iliyasu explained.
According to the ward leadership, they possess “credible evidence and reports” that Bello had openly supported a candidate from a rival political party, in direct violation of sections of the constitution that prohibit such actions.

“Specifically, you have violated Article 21 (i), (ii), and (vii) which prohibit: (a) Engaging in acts that bring the party into hatred, contempt, ridicule or disrepute; (b) Engaging in anti-party activities; and (c) Membership, promotion, or support of rival political parties,” he said.
The executives argued that Bello’s alleged conduct had brought embarrassment to the party, eroded confidence among party members, and amounted to a serious breach of party loyalty and discipline.

“In line with the powers vested in us as ward executives under Article 21 (D)(i)-(iii) of the APC Constitution, and having consulted widely with stakeholders within the ward, we have resolved to suspend you pending further investigation and disciplinary action by higher party organs,” the resolution read.
They further stated that the resolution would be forwarded to the Lafia Local Government APC Executive Committee, the Nasarawa State Executive Committee, and the National Working Committee (NWC) for ratification and further action.

“We urge you to refrain from parading yourself as a member of the party pending the conclusion of this process,” Iliyasu added.
Barely few hours after the Gayam Ward announcement, the APC in Nasarawa State convened an emergency State Executive Council meeting in Lafia on Monday, during which a vote of confidence was passed on the leadership of Dr. Aliyu Bello and Governor Abdullahi Sule.

The party’s state publicity secretary, Hon. Otaru Douglas, who earlier alleged that a clandestine move sponsored by a governorship aspirant,was behind the attempt to discredit Bello, described the vote of confidence as “a clear reaffirmation of loyalty to tested leadership.”

“The leadership of the party remains intact. The vote of confidence passed on Hon. Aliyu Bello and His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, reflects the will of the majority of stakeholders who are committed to unity and continuity,”  Douglas.