By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Tsauri ‘A’ Ward Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the suspension of the party’s former National Secretary, Senator Umar Tsauri, citing accusations of anti-party activities and other misconduct.
The decision was confirmed in a letter signed by the Ward Chairman, Alhaji Danjume Abubakar.
The committee explained that the suspension was decided at their meeting on September 14, pending the outcome of an investigation by a disciplinary committee set up to probe Tsauri.
The senator faces allegations of unguarded utterances against the national leadership, actions that could bring the party into disrepute, and associations perceived as damaging to the PDP.
The ward committee, invoking Article 59 (1) of the PDP constitution, stated they were acting within their powers, which allow ward executives to take disciplinary action against members found guilty of misconduct.
In a statement, the committee urged PDP members to remain dedicated to the party’s principles: “We must work together to build a strong and united party capable of winning elections and serving the interest of our people.”
Reacting to the decision, Alhaji Lawal Audi-Yar’adua, the spokesperson for the PDP in Katsina State, acknowledged receiving the suspension letter from Tsauri’s ward.
He noted that the party had established a committee to investigate the allegations and affirmed that the PDP would follow constitutional provisions in dealing with the matter, regardless of the member’s status.
In response, Senator Tsauri questioned the legality of the suspension, arguing that neither the ward nor the state chapter of the party had the constitutional authority to suspend a former National Secretary without adhering to proper procedures.
He added that he had not received any official notice of suspension and only became aware of it through social media.
“The party has its rules and regulations, and before action is taken against any member, certain processes have to be followed,” Tsauri said.