By Yakubu Shehu, Lafia

In the murky waters of Nigerian politics, it is not uncommon to witness theatrics disguised as legitimate party actions. The recent attempt to “suspend” Hon. Aliyu Bello, the duly elected State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, is one such spectacle and unfortunate demonstration of political mischief, devoid of legality, process, or moral standing.

A small faction of individuals claiming to be ward executives from Gayam Ward in Lafia Local Government Area staged a press briefing where they announced what they termed the “suspension” of Hon. Bello. However, this move has been widely dismissed as nothing more than a political stunt, lacking both legal foundation and procedural integrity.

The Nigerian political system is guided by constitutions, national and party-level—which exist to prevent precisely this kind of arbitrary behaviour. According to the APC Constitution, specifically Article 21 (D) (i)-(iii), no ward organ has the unilateral authority to suspend a State Chairman without strict adherence to due process, including proper investigation and ratification by higher party organs. The so-called suspension, therefore, is void ab initio—null from the beginning.

Moreover, the fact that this announcement came merely a day after the Nasarawa State APC unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Hon. Bello underscores the dubious timing and sinister motivations behind it.

This attempted suspension appears to be politically motivated rather than a matter of party discipline. Sources within the party suggest that the move is the handiwork of desperate political actors, possibly aligned with a gubernatorial aspirant who feel threatened by Hon. Bello’s rising influence and sterling leadership.

Rather than following proper disciplinary protocols or presenting credible evidence, the accusers rely on vague claims of “anti-party activities,” unsupported by documentation, reports, or witness testimony. This lack of substance betrays the entire operation as an act of character assassination aimed at weakening the party’s internal cohesion.

Hon. Aliyu Bello has been widely acknowledged for bringing stability, discipline, and growth to the APC in Nasarawa State. Under his leadership, the party has recorded several electoral victories and has remained united despite various external pressures.

The State Working Committee has expressed full confidence in his leadership and dismissed the purported suspension as a malicious attack intended to create confusion and fracture the party ahead of future political contests.

At a time when political actors should be consolidating unity within the party and preparing for upcoming elections, these underhanded tactics threaten to derail progress. It is essential for party members and stakeholders to remain vigilant, reject attempts at misinformation, and stand firmly behind the constitutionally recognized leadership.

The era of blackmail politics and media-driven confusion must give way to integrity, procedure, and respect for due process.

The attempted suspension of Hon. Aliyu Bello is not just an attack on one man, it is an attack on the very principles that govern the APC. It sets a dangerous precedent where individuals without authority or evidence can seek to unseat party leaders through backdoor channels. Fortunately, this ploy is already unraveling, and those behind it will find themselves on the wrong side of both law and history.

The APC in Nasarawa State remains resolute, and Hon. Aliyu Bello’s leadership continues to enjoy the support of the party’s legitimate structures and loyal members. The party will not be distracted by desperate antics and neither will its chairman.