AD Suspends Nat’l Chairman As Party’s Leadership Crisis Worsens

The Alliance for Democracy (AD) has suspended its National Chairman, Joseph Avazi, as the party’s leadership crisis worsens.

Avazi’s suspension comes after some members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) met in Abuja on Wednesday, where a vote of no confidence was passed on him.

His suspension was revealed in a communiqué by AD’s National Publicity Secretary, Morafat Olayinka.

Following Avazi’s suspension, the party has appointed its National Auditor, Ayodele Ismail, as Acting National Chairman.

“NEC passed a vote of no confidence on the National Chairman, Joseph Avazi, for gross misconduct, anti-party activities, incompetence, lack of accountability, lack of consultations and turning the party to a family affair,” the communique said.

Mr. Avazi, in reaction rebuffed the party’s decision, saying “he had not yet called any NEC meeting.”

The ousted chairman continued, “We are surprised to note that some disgruntled elements took advantage of the postponed NEC meeting of the Alliance for Democracy and gathered themselves at the supposed venue to announce what pleases them. Therefore, the general public is advised to disregard whatever has been announced as the outcome of the meeting.

“The date for the NEC meeting shall be announced and members are advised to remain calm as the party will not allow itself to be drawn into crisis by miscreants.

“We are not by this statement absolving the national chairman from the allegations levelled against him, however, in strong terms, we urge the accusers to back up the allegations with evidence when the NEC meeting is called up.

“We are quick to add that this illegality would not be allowed. If truly the national chairman is suspended what happened to the two deputy national chairmen, six vice national chairmen that the National Auditor would be selected to act as national chairman. The AD constitution is clear on this,” he added.