Why PDP Suspended Ortom, Fayose, Anyim, Then Spared Wike, Makinde, Ugwuanyi – Sources
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday suspended some chieftains of the party over alleged anti-party activities.
Among those suspended by the party includes, former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, former Governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema and two chieftains of the party, Dennis Ityavyar (Benue State), Aslam Aliyu (Zamfara State).
The National Working Committee of the party (NWC) also referred Ortom to the party’s National Disciplinary Committee.
However, the decision of the NWC to spare the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Nyesom Wike (Rivers) alleged to have also engaged in anti-party activities has stirred reactions.
Recall that the governors in the build-up of the 2023 presidential election had vowed to work against Atiku, noting that it was the turn of the South to rule the country.
The aggrieved governors demanded the resignation of the party’s chairman, Iyorchia Ayu in exchange for their support for Atiku’s presidential election.
Ayu, however, insisted on remaining in office against the demands of the governors identified as the G-5.
A member of the party’s NWC, who spoke on what happened during the meeting that led to the suspension of Fayose and others, said the NWC treated each case on an individual basis.
The source who spoke on condition of anonymity with journalists said, “We treated each case on its merit.
“It was as simple as looking at the level of infraction committed by each of those whose cases were brought before us.
“His Excellency Governor, Seyi Makinde, and his Enugu State counterpart, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, for example, were not overtly hostile to the party in spite of the differences we had.
“These two party members contributed men and materials to support our presidential campaigns, especially in their respective states.
“They also didn’t openly canvass for support for presidential candidates other than Atiku Abubakar unlike Ortom who openly declared his support for Peter Obi and to add salt to injury also asked his supporters to vote for Obi.
“Even when there were speculations that Makinde and Ugwuanyi were supporting the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, they were diplomatic and subtle in their approach.
“We are a party governed by rules and regulations. For every action there are consequences.
“As for Governor Wike, his case is still being investigated; although he disparaged our presidential candidate, he was careful not to openly canvass for the candidate of another party.”
