The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended Mr Valentine Asuen, its 2023 senatorial candidate for Edo South, over allegations of anti-party activities.
In a statement released on Monday, August 25, in Benin, the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, said the decision was taken in line with the party’s constitution and disciplinary framework.
According to him, Asuen was found guilty of actions capable of creating division within the party.
He said, “This disciplinary action became necessary following his conduct, which runs contrary to the spirit of unity, loyalty, and collective progress enshrined in our constitution.”
Also, he explained that Asuen’s actions contravened Articles 21:2 (ii) & (v), and 21:5 (a), (c), (d), (e), (f) & (h) of the APC Constitution (2022), noting that such offences attract either 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.
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“No act capable of destabilising the party or inciting disaffection amongst members will be condoned,” he stressed.
On claims of imbalance in political appointments in the state, Uwadiae-Igbinigie dismissed the allegations.
He said, “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.”
He urged members to remain disciplined and united, stressing, “The APC remains committed to internal democracy, discipline, and the 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.”
Asuen, a businessman and politician, contested the 2023 Edo South Senatorial election on the APC platform but lost to Labour Party’s Neda Imasuen, who has since defected to the APC.