Edo APC Suspends Ex-Senatorial Candidate

The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the suspension of its 2023 senatorial candidate for Edo South, Mr Valentine Asuen, over alleged anti-party activities.

The party’s State Publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Benin on Monday, noting that the decision was taken in line with the APC constitution and disciplinary framework.

Uwadiae-Igbinigie explained that Asuen was found culpable of actions deemed capable of inciting 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.”

According to him, Asuen’s actions contravened Articles 21:2 (ii) & (v) and 21:5 (a), (c), (d), (e), (f) & (h) of the APC Constitution (2022, as amended), offences punishable by suspension or expulsion.

The APC spokesman stressed that no act capable of destabilising the party or inciting disaffection among members would be tolerated.

“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,” he added.

Responding to claims of lopsidedness in political appointments under Governor Monday Okpebholo, Uwadiae-Igbinigie dismissed the insinuations.

“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 said.

Asuen, a businessman and politician, contested the 2023 Edo South senatorial election on the APC platform but lost to Labour Party candidate Neda Imasuen, who has since defected to the APC.