By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The stakehokders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Vandeikya Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State have declared the indefinite suspension of key executives, including the party’s Local Government Chairman, Mr. Felix Ukange for alleged anti-party activities and abuse of power.

In a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting and signed by Mr. Desmond Akaanger on behalf of the APC Stakeholders Forum, the group also suspended Alhaji Abubakar Ihyongu, Philip Baaki, and Dennis Akura over alleged anti-party activities.

The stakeholders cited alleged “grave allegations and documented instances of anti-party activities,” including “systemic disruption of party activities,” “abuse of power,” and “financial impropriety,” as reasons for their action.

They further accused Ihyongu of alleged “unconstitutional usurpation of authority,” claiming that he had continued to take executive decisions despite holding no recognized position within the party hierarchy.

Declaring that “the APC cannot remain a house divided against itself,” the forum directed the affected officials to immediately cease parading themselves as party representatives and appear before a disciplinary committee.

“Failure to appear will be construed as an admission of guilt and will result in a recommendation for permanent expulsion,” the communiqué warned.

However, in a twist that underscored factional divide, the APC leadership in Vandeikya had earlier announced the suspension of five appointees of the government including Stephen Numbeve, over alleged misconduct during a zoning exercise.

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

The party leadership insisted that the decision was necessary to maintain discipline and order, urging the suspended members to stay away from all party activities until further notice.

But the suspension of Numbeve has since triggered a legal confrontation, with his counsel rejecting the action and threatening court action.

In a letter to the APC chairman, his lawyer, Mr. Liamhuan Vanger described the suspension as unlawful, arguing that it violated the APC Constitution, particularly provisions guaranteeing fair hearing.

“The purported suspension is a total departure from the mandatory disciplinary procedures,” his Counsel stated, 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 publicized on social media, 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 a suit seeking damages and injunctive relief.