Thirteen local government chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State have publicly rejected the suspension of the state party chairman, Aliyu Bello, by his Gayam Ward in Lafia Local Government Area.

The ward leadership had alleged anti-party conduct and claimed Bello’s actions had negatively affected the party’s image.

Led by Safiyanu Andaha of Akwanga LGA, who also chairs the state’s ALGON chapter, the council chairmen gathered at the APC secretariat in Lafia to express disapproval of the ward’s decision.

They stated that Bello had contributed significantly to party development and unity and called the suspension an unfortunate development requiring redress. Andaha said a formal apology should be issued to Bello, adding that Bello’s tenure has been marked by efforts to consolidate party operations and membership across the state.

The group said their position was backed by a wider party structure, including 147 ward councillors and 18 development area administrators.

In his response, Bello dismissed the suspension notice as lacking procedural legitimacy. He pointed out that it was endorsed by only eight of the 27 ward executives and insisted that such action could only be taken by the state executive committee.

He also referenced a court decision that vacated an earlier order obtained by the ward officials in support of the suspension.

Bello reaffirmed his commitment to the APC and to Governor Abdullahi Sule’s political leadership in the state.

Other state officials, including Secretary Yairus Dagusa and Publicity Secretary Douglas Otaru, joined the meeting in support of Bello’s position.