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The Edo chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the suspension of Valentine Asuen, its 2023 senatorial candidate for Edo South, over alleged anti-party activities.
In a statement in Benin on Monday, Peter Uwadie-Igbinigi, the spokesperson of the party in the state, said the decision was taken in line with the party’s constitution and disciplinary framework.
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According to him, Mr Asuen has been suspended from the party in accordance with the provisions of the APC Constitution 2022, as amended, as he has been found culpable of actions deemed capable of inciting division within the party.
“This disciplinary action became necessary following his conduct, which runs contrary to the spirit of unity, loyalty, and collective progress enshrined in our constitution.”
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Mr Uwadiae-Igbinigie explained that the actions of the former senatorial candidate contravened Articles 21:2 (ii) & (v), and 21:5 (a), (c), (d), (e), (f) & (h) of the APC constitution (2022), adding that the offences were punishable by suspension or expulsion.
“These actions have been deemed to amount to inciting division within the party, thereby undermining the cohesion and discipline expected of every member.
“No act capable of destabilising the party or inciting disaffection amongst members will be condoned,” he stressed.
Reacting to insinuations of lopsidedness in the appointment of political office holders, the spokesperson dismissed the claims as untrue.
According to him, the appointments made so far by Governor Monday Okpebholo are evenly spread across the state.
“Let it be clearly stated that all appointments made thus far by the governor have been evenly distributed across the state without any undue influence from the party’s Secretary, Mr Lawrence Okah.”
The spokesperson urged party members to remain united and focused on the party’s vision, warning that indiscipline or disloyalty would be met with firm sanctions.
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“The APC remains committed to internal democracy, discipline and protection of its integrity.
“We call on all members to remain steadfast, united, and committed to delivering good governance and democratic dividends to the people,” he said.
Mr Asuen, a prominent politician and an entrepreneur, contested the 2023 Edo South Senatorial election under the APC banner but lost to the candidate of the Labour Party, Neda Imasuen, who has since defected to the APC.
He is the chairperson of the Edo Forestry Commission.
There are speculations that Mr Asuen’s suspension is connected to some wrangling within the Edo APC and the politics of the 2027 general elections.
PREMIUM TIMES could not immediately get Mr Asuen’s comment for the story.
(NAN)
