The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Tsauri ‘A’ Ward Executive Committee has decided to suspend former National Secretary, Senator Umar Tsauri, following a series of allegations against him.
This decision was made public through a suspension letter signed by the Ward Chairman, Danjume Abubakar, and was shared with journalists in Katsina on Sunday.
According to the committee, the suspension, which took effect after their meeting on September 14, is pending the findings of a disciplinary committee established to investigate various claims against Tsauri.
He faces accusations of engaging in anti-party activities, making reckless statements regarding the party’s national leadership, and engaging in behaviors that could tarnish the party’s reputation.
The committee cited Article 59 (1) of the PDP constitution, which grants ward executives the authority to impose disciplinary measures on members who violate party rules.
The committee stated, “We encourage all party members to uphold the values of discipline and loyalty within our ranks. It is essential that we collaborate to strengthen our party and enhance our ability to win elections, ultimately serving the interests of our constituents.”
In response to the suspension, Lawal Audi-Yar’adua, the party’s spokesperson in the state, confirmed receipt of the suspension letter from the senator’s ward.
He mentioned that a committee has been formed to investigate the allegations against Tsauri, emphasizing that the party will adhere to its constitutional provisions regardless of any member’s status.
Senator Tsauri, however, challenged the legitimacy of his suspension, arguing that both the ward and state chapters of the party do not possess the constitutional authority to suspend a former National Secretary without following the proper procedures.
He claimed, “I have not received any official suspension letter; I only learned about it through social media, addressed to the party Chairman of Kurfi Local Government.”
He asserted that the party has established rules and regulations, emphasizing that due process must be followed before any action can be taken against a member.
It’s worth noting that the PDP in Katsina State is currently experiencing a split, with one faction led by Tsauri and Mustapha Inuwa, former director of Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign, and the opposing faction led by Senator Lado Danmarke, the PDP gubernatorial candidate from the 2023 elections.
