Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, the suspended National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has taken steps to challenge the ruling of the Benue High Court that upheld his suspension. Ayu is set to appeal the decision, asserting that individuals of lower rank within the main opposition party should not be allowed to jeopardize the party’s integrity and democratic principles.
Chief E.K. Ashiekaa (SAN), Ayu’s legal representative, confirmed to THSDAY in an interview that the appeal will be filed at the Benue State Division of the Court of Appeal within the stipulated timeframe….
Ashiekaa highlighted the grounds for appeal, which revolve around the constitutional validity of lower-ranking party officials suspending senior party members. He emphasized that the PDP’s constitution explicitly prohibits such actions by individuals not vested with the authority for such actions. The appeal aims to clarify the legality of these actions.
According to Ashiekaa, “The PDP constitution is clear on the stages of disciplinary actions that could be meted on members of the National Executive Committee (NEC). One such member is the national chairman of the party and members of NEC. You cannot wake up and claim either as a member of the ward executive and start exercising disciplinary actions of the party.”
He stressed the importance of upholding democratic tenets and justice within the party, stating, “Democracy thrives on the observation of the tenets of justice and therefore, the PDP will not sit down and allow this rascality to continue.”
The PDP had previously acknowledged Ayu’s right to appeal his removal by the Benue State High Court. The party anticipates that the appeal process will provide clarity on issues related to ward executives sacking national chairpersons and NEC members. This move comes in light of the dismissal of two national chairmen by their respective ward executives – Prince Secondus and Ayu.
Okechukwu Osuoha, the Deputy National Legal Adviser of the PDP, confirmed that the party is aware of Ayu’s suspension confirmation by the court. He highlighted that the party would wait until Ayu exhausts his right of appeal before taking further action. Osuoha emphasized the party’s interest in the court’s pronouncements on the removal of the national chairman by ward executives, which contradicts the party’s constitution.
The Benue State High Court in Makurdi ruled that Ayu should vacate his position as the National Chairman of the PDP due to his loss of membership within his Igyorov Council Ward of Gboko Local Government Area. Ayu was taken to court by Terhide Utaan, a member of the PDP in the state, who challenged Ayu’s eligibility for the role after a vote of no confidence was passed against him by his Igyorov ward executive committee
