LAFIA – Thirteen local government chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State have condemned the suspension of the party’s state chairman, Aliyu Bello, by his Gayam Ward in Lafia Local Government Area, labelling it as invalid and unjustified.
The ward executives had accused Bello of anti-party activities and claimed his actions had tarnished the party’s image. However, the local council leaders, led by Safiyanu Andaha of Akwanga LGA and chairman of the state’s chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), described the suspension as an “unfortunate development” that should be redressed.
Speaking at the APC state secretariat in Lafia, the chairmen praised Bello’s leadership, stating that he had made substantial contributions to the party’s unity and grassroots mobilisation across the state. They demanded a formal apology to him, asserting that his stewardship had strengthened the party’s structure and support base.
Their stance was echoed by 147 ward councillors and 18 development area administrators, signaling wider backing within the party hierarchy.
Reacting to the suspension notice, Bello dismissed it as lacking procedural validity, noting that only eight of the 27 ward executives had endorsed it. He emphasized that any disciplinary action of such magnitude must come from the state executive committee.
Bello also cited a court ruling that vacated an earlier order sought by the ward executives, effectively nullifying the suspension attempt.
Reaffirming his loyalty to the APC and the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule, Bello stated his continued commitment to strengthening the party ahead of future elections.
State APC Secretary Yairus Dagusa and Publicity Secretary Douglas Otaru also joined the meeting, aligning with Bello and rejecting the suspension move.
