By Austin Ogwuda & FESTUS AHON

UGHELLI — THE leadership of Democratic Peoples Party, DPP, in Delta Central Senatorial District, yesterday, described the purported suspension of Senator Pius Ewherido, acting National Chairman of the party, Chief Olisaemeka Akamukali and others, from the party as a ruse and complete sham.

It will be recalled that after its emergency meeting in Asaba, Wednesday, the state chapter of DPP announced the suspension of Ewherido, Akamukali and other top party members for alleged anti-party activities.

In a statement by its Chairman, Chief Tony Ezeagwu and two others, the suspended members were accused of holding what they described as “kangaroo” national convention of the party in Abuja, Monday, in a bid to cement alliance with All Progressives Congress, APC.

However, Ewheriodo, in a telephone interview, said: “The suspension is a huge joke. It is a torn party. There are factions. We agreed to join APC but some of them started to renege.

“So why are they fuming that we have gone to APC? Those of us who want to join APC have joined them.”

Addressing newsmen, yesterday, Vice Chairmen of the party in the state, Chief Henry Olori, described those behind the suspension as those opposed to the merger with other opposition parties under APC.

Olori said: “Let us make it clear that from the onset, the purported suspension is a nullity as events had already overtaken the actions of these inconsequential elements within our great party.

“In March, the National Executive Committee of the party met in Abuja and took a decision to join the merger.”

He said series of meetings were held with leaders of APC, which culminated in the special convention of the party held on April 30 in Abuja.

Olori added: “DPP has never won a councillorship position in Delta State until Senator Ewherido joined the party in 2010.

“At the end of the 2011 polls, DPP had a Senator, two House of Representatives members, nine state House of Assembly members and there was no limit as regards the prospect of DPP taking over Delta State.”