A faction of the Edo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress on Wednesday suspended the national leader of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.
Also suspended were a former governor of the State, Osareimen Osunbor and Ehigie Uzamare, over alleged anti-party activities and insubordination.
Yisa Braimah, Nosa Ehima, Sylvester Ewanehi, Tony Alile, Jafaru Sumaila, Stella Alli, Igieogbe Asemota and Christopher Ojeikere were also axed by the factional leadership.
The suspension was contained in a statement issued by the Comrade Kennedy Odion-led factional State Executive Committee of the party.
He said their suspension was in line with Article 15(A)(iii), (vi), (viii), (ix), and (x), Article 15(B), Article 15(C)(1), (2), and (3) and Article 9(iv) of the Constitution of the ADC.
According to the statement, the suspension would last a period not exceeding three months, pending the outcome of investigations by the state disciplinary committee.
He cited alleged acts of insubordination, anti-party activities, and conduct capable of causing disaffection within the party as reasons for the suspension.
The statement further accused the affected members of engaging in unauthorised factionalisation, including the creation of parallel structures, as well as participation in unapproved groups and caucuses not recognised by the party.
The statement read, “Edo State exco, acting pursuant to its constitutional powers, hereby approves the suspension of the affected members pending the conclusion of investigations.”
”Any member dissatisfied with the decision retains the right to appeal within 14 days of receiving the notice, as such appeals would be determined within 21 days by the appropriate organ of the party.”
Odigie-Oyegun, when contacted on the phone, dismissed the claim, stating, “It is laughable and not worth commenting on.”
The newly elected state chairman of the party, recognised by the David Mark leadership, Tony Alile, however, said Odion had been expelled from the party by the national convention.
He said, “If you monitor the national convention, he was expelled. His expulsion was by the national convention, which is the highest organ of the party, so he does not have any power to suspend anybody.
“Up till yesterday (Tuesday), he remained the state chairman of the party, as his tenure ends May 12 and our tenure commences from midnight on the 12th of May.
“But as it stands right now, our party affairs are in the hands of the secretary, who is Charles Imuetinyan.
“So he (Odion) doesn’t have any rights to speak for ADC anymore or right to call any meeting in the name of the ADC, because the suspension is not just a mere television charade, it is a declaration from the national convention.”
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