SPOTLIGHT
- NNPP in Edo State has suspended its governorship candidate, Pastor Azemhe Azena
- The party alleges Azena endorsed the APC candidate in a viral video
- The suspension is awaiting ratification by the state executive council
- Azena has denied the suspension
From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The leadership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State has affirmed the suspension of the party’s governorship candidate in the state, Pastor Azemhe Azena. This follows a viral video allegedly showing him endorsing the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
The letter announcing the suspension, which was signed by the local government’s party chairman, Chief Paul Omo Ogwemoh, secretary Mr John Obeakhemhe, assistant youth leader Mr Vice Ogiriga, and some ward chairmen, was made available to journalists in Benin City.
The letter stated that Pastor Azemhe Azena was suspended due to his “anti-party activities.” It alleged that he had publicly endorsed the APC candidate in a well-publicised online video during a church programme held in Auchi, Edo State.
The letter further stated that this action has caused the party “a lot of shame, ridicule, and embarrassment.” It also accused the suspended governorship candidate of having “so much disregard for the party’s leaders and members in Etsako East local government area,” which it said has led to disunity within the party.
Copies of the letter were also made available to the national chairman of NNPP and the South-South chairman of the party, awaiting ratification by the state executive council.
However, Pastor Azemhe Azena has since debunked the suspension claim, advising members of the public to disregard the notice.