The Benue chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended former governor Gabriel Suswam and four others for alleged disobedience.
On August 7, the PDP invited Suswam and four others to discuss alleged “anti-party activities”.
In a statement, Benue PDP spokesperson Bemgba Iortyom announced the suspension of Terngu Tsegba, Richard Gbande, Terseer Tsumba, and Nicholas Ada, alongside Suswam.
News About Nigeria reports that the party chairmen of eight local government areas were also suspended.
According to Iortyom, the suspended individuals were accused of various offenses, including sponsoring publications that reveal internal party disputes and pursuing court cases against the party without using internal dispute resolution mechanisms.
Suswam was specifically accused of supporting APC’s governor Hyacinth Alia and publicly endorsing him at events, even when the PDP governorship candidate was challenging the election outcome in court.
The suspended individuals were summoned to appear before the State Working Committee but refused, instead choosing to publicly criticize the party’s leadership.
Their actions violate section 58 of the PDP constitution (as amended in 2017), leading to their suspension for one month.
The suspended members are required to appear before the party’s disciplinary committee at a later date.
Iortyom urged party members to remain law-abiding and support the party’s leadership during this challenging time.
Over the past few months, Benue PDP has been battling internal wrangling as the party is divided into different factions.
Amid the conflict in the party, John Ngbede, Benue PDP chairman, was suspended.
Recall that Samuel Ortom, former governor of the state, was suspended by the faction loyal to Ngbede.
