By Muhammed Danjuma Ogwu Lafia
In a dramatic turn of events, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gayam Ward, Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, has announced the immediate suspension of the State Chairman of the party, Hon. Aliyu Bello, over alleged anti-party activities.
The decision, made public during a press briefing in Lafia on Tuesday, follows a resolution signed by the executive members of the ward, who accused the embattled chairman of breaching party discipline and undermining internal unity by allegedly campaigning for a rival party.
Announcing the suspension, Gayam Ward Chairman, Ibrahim Iliyasu, stated that the move was based on investigations into formal complaints raised by ward members. He cited Article 21 of the APC Constitution (as amended), which outlines offenses and disciplinary measures for infractions by party members.
“We, the undersigned Executive Members of the All Progressives Congress, Gayam Ward, hereby suspend you, Hon. Aliyu Bello, from the party with immediate effect,” the statement read.
“There is credible evidence that you have openly promoted and campaigned for a member of another political party, in violation of Article 21 sections (i), (ii), and (vii), which prohibit acts of disrepute, anti-party activities, and support for rival political groups.”
The ward executives said Bello’s actions had embarrassed the party and compromised the credibility of its collective efforts in Nasarawa State.
Citing Article 21 (D) (i–iii) of the APC Constitution, the ward leaders stated they were acting within their constitutional rights and affirmed that the matter would be escalated to higher party structures for ratification.
“We have resolved that you, Hon. Aliyu Bello, are hereby suspended from the APC pending further investigation and disciplinary action by the appropriate organs,” the statement continued.
“You are urged to cease parading yourself as a party member until the conclusion of the disciplinary process.”
The resolution was signed by several ward executives, including Secretary Ibrahim Kwande, Legal Adviser Adamu Musa Alkali, PRO Mohammed Dahiru, and Women Leader Fatimah Ibrahim, among others.
The suspension comes barely 24 hours after APC State Publicity Secretary Douglas Otaru raised alarm over alleged internal plots by a governorship hopeful to remove Bello from office.
In a swift rebuttal to the ward’s decision, Otaru issued a statement on Monday, warning that ward officials lack the constitutional authority to suspend a State Executive Committee member.
“For clarity, ward officials cannot pass a vote of no confidence, suspend, or expel a State Executive member. Any such move is null and void and will attract disciplinary consequences,” Otaru declared.
The unfolding crisis has deepened internal divisions within the Nasarawa APC, heightening speculation of a political power struggle ahead of the 2027 elections.
As of press time, Hon. Aliyu Bello has not issued an official response to the suspension.