APC stakeholders suspend Vandeikya LG chairman, others over alleged anti-party activities

By Toyin Olamide

There is tension in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, as party stakeholders announced the indefinite suspension of key executives, including the Local Government Chairman of the party, Mr. Felix Ukange, over alleged anti-party activities and abuse of power.

The decision was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency meeting of the APC Stakeholders Forum, and signed by Mr. Desmond Akaanger.

Also affected by the suspension are Alhaji Abubakar Ihyongu, Philip Baaki, and Dennis Akura, all accused of engaging in actions deemed detrimental to the party.

The stakeholders cited what they described as “grave allegations and documented instances of anti-party activities,” including “systemic disruption of party operations, abuse of power, and financial impropriety.”

The communiqué further singled out Ihyongu for alleged “unconstitutional usurpation of authority,” claiming he continued to take executive decisions despite not holding any recognised position within the party structure.

“The APC cannot remain a house divided against itself,” the forum stated, directing the affected officials to immediately stop parading themselves as party representatives and to appear before a disciplinary committee.

It warned that, “failure to appear will be construed as an admission of guilt and will result in a recommendation for permanent expulsion.”

However, in a development that highlights deepening factional divisions within the party, the APC leadership in the local government had earlier announced the suspension of five government appointees, including Stephen Numbeve, over alleged misconduct during a zoning exercise.

In a statement, the LGA Publicity Secretary, Mr. Apaa Tindim, said the affected individuals were sanctioned for failing to comply with party directives and for “harassing and insulting party stakeholders publicly” during the exercise in Tiev Constituency.

“The decision became necessary to maintain discipline and order within the party,” Tindim said, urging the suspended members to stay away from all party activities until further notice.

Meanwhile, the suspension of Numbeve has sparked a legal dispute, with his legal team rejecting the action and threatening court proceedings.

In a letter addressed to the APC chairman, Numbeve’s counsel, Mr. Liamhuan Vanger, described the suspension as unlawful and a violation of the party’s constitution, particularly provisions guaranteeing fair hearing.

“The purported suspension is a total departure from the mandatory disciplinary procedures,” Vanger said, adding that “a Local Government Chairman cannot act as judge, jury, and executioner.”

The legal team also accused party officials of defamation, noting that the suspension was publicised on social media, thereby exposing their client to “public odium, ridicule, and contempt.”

They issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding a retraction and public apology, warning that failure to comply would result in legal action seeking damages and injunctive relief.