By Muhammed Danjuma Ogwu, Lafia
In a dramatic escalation of internal party tensions, a Lafia court has barred Dr. Aliyu Bello, the embattled Nasarawa State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), from carrying out any official duties or parading himself as a party member—marking a critical turning point in a deepening rift within the ruling party.
The ruling, delivered Thursday by Senior District Court III, followed a petition brought by Ibrahim Iliyasu, Chairman of the APC in Gayam Ward of Lafia Local Government Area. Iliyasu and his faction accuse Bello of engaging in anti-party activities and defying a suspension order issued earlier in the week by the ward’s executive members.
A court document obtained by our correspondent reveals that the motion (SDC3/M1122/2025), filed on July 3, 2025, was granted by His Worship Hon. Abdullahi M. Lanze. The restraining order prohibits Bello—and anyone acting on his behalf—from issuing statements, performing duties, or presenting himself as the APC chairman pending further hearing.
“An order of this Hon. Court is granted restraining the Respondent (Hon. Aliyu Bello)…from further parading himself, issuing statements, carrying out functions or acting in any manner whatsoever…as a member or chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State,” the ruling stated.
The political drama began Tuesday when Gayam Ward party executives, led by Iliyasu, announced Bello’s immediate suspension at a press briefing in Lafia. Citing violations of Article 21 of the APC Constitution, the ward leaders accused Bello of behavior unbecoming of a party leader, claiming his actions had “embarrassed the party” and undermined their strategic goals.
“We, the undersigned Executive Members…hereby write to formally suspend you, Hon. Aliyu Bello from the party…with immediate effect,” said Iliyasu. “This decision arises as a result of investigations into your anti-party activities.”
However, the unity behind the suspension quickly fractured. A rival faction of the ward’s executive, led by Assistant Secretary Adamu Bawa, publicly disowned the move just 24 hours later. Bawa argued that the suspension lacked procedural integrity, alleging it was carried out without due consultation, quorum, or the consent of the broader ward executive committee.
The unfolding power struggle has cast a spotlight on growing factionalism within the Nasarawa APC, raising questions about the state party’s stability ahead of future elections. With the court’s restraining order in place and the party’s grassroots in open revolt, the embattled Bello now faces both legal and political battles that could determine his political future—and possibly reshape the party’s leadership in the state.
The case will continue in court as the crisis deepens, and all eyes remain fixed on Lafia for what could become a precedent-setting confrontation within one of Nigeria’s most politically charged state party structures.