Ahead of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has suspended its governorship candidate, Azemhe Azena.
Azena was suspended by his ward 10 executive members in the Etsako East Local Government Area of the state.
The suspension letter dated June 3, seen by our reporter yesterday, was signed by the ward 10 chairman, Kadiri Eshimokha; Mrs. Stella Afebua, woman leader; Comrade Eshiobu Johnson, youth leader; and Comrade Imonikho Abdul, secretary.
According to the letter, Azena was suspended for alleged gross misconduct, anti-party activities, and disregard for the party.
- Obi visits recuperating Olympic champion, Tijiani Babangida
- Benue APC: Loyalists of Akume, Gov Alia renew feud
The letter of suspension was also copied to the national chairman of the party, Edo State chairman, Edo North senatorial vice chairman, South South vice chairman, and the national chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as well as the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC).
Daily Trust reports that the suspension notice was received by the state chairman of the party on June 5.
Responding, Azena described the suspension as fake and of no effect. He explained that the persons whose names appeared on the purported suspension letter were not from his ward.
“The authentic ward 10 chairman of the NNPP, Etsako East Local Government chapter, is Mr. Goddy Iyamah. He has since refuted the claim,” he said.
Daily Trust was, however, unable to reach Iyama and the state leadership of the party for comment as of the time of filing this report.