The Edo State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has suspended four top officials indefinitely over actions deemed harmful to the party’s unity, discipline, and operational stability.
In a communique released Sunday following a crucial meeting held in Benin City on Saturday, the party announced the suspension of its Organising Secretary, Tony Alile; Publicity Secretary, Chris Ojiekere; Youth Leader, Benjamin Omonzokpia; and Woman Leader, Yami Jatto.
The communique, jointly signed by the State Chairman, Elder Felix Obayagbon; Secretary, Hyacinth Esangbedo; and ten other key stakeholders, cited gross violations of Article 19, Sections 19.1 to 19.3 of the party’s constitution.
“The party has taken decisive disciplinary action against four members whose conduct has been deemed detrimental to the unity, integrity, and orderly functioning of the SDP,” the statement read.
The suspended members were accused of convening unauthorized meetings, making inflammatory statements against the party and its leadership, and attempting to suspend the state chairman and secretary without proper procedure.
In addition, the party said the group had attempted to relocate the state secretariat without approval and issued a condolence message using the state chairman’s name without his consent. They also reportedly traveled to Abuja on party matters without official authorization.
The communique further described the actions of Alile and Ojiekere—who only joined the party in April 2025—as emblematic of a wider scheme involving “transactional politicians” attempting to hijack the party’s structure ahead of the August 2025 by-election.
“This alliance has resurfaced with the sole aim of negotiating self-serving deals at the expense of the party’s integrity and long-term mission,” the statement added.
The Edo SDP reiterated its commitment to internal democracy and zero tolerance for activities that undermine its values and leadership.
“The party will not tolerate actions that jeopardise its integrity, legality, or collective vision. We remain firmly committed to unity, discipline, and internal order,” it concluded.
Efforts to reach the suspended members for comment were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
