The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Edo State has indefinitely suspended four party members for actions considered harmful to the party’s unity, integrity, and proper functioning.
The suspended members include Organising Secretary Tony Alile, Publicity Secretary Chris Ojiekere, Youth Leader Benjamin Omonzokpia, and Woman Leader Yami Jatto.
This decision was announced in a communique released on Sunday following a party meeting held in Benin, Edo State, on Saturday.
The communique, signed by the state party chairman, Elder Felix Obayagbon, the secretary, Hyacinth Esangbedo, and ten others, cited violations of Article 19, Sections 19.1, 19.2, and 19.3 of the SDP constitution.
The statement reads, “The Edo State Chapter of the Social Democratic Party has suspended four members indefinitely for conduct deemed detrimental to the unity, integrity, and orderly functioning of the party.
“The party has taken decisive disciplinary action against four members whose actions constitute gross violations of Article 19, Sections 19.1, 19.2, and 19.3 of the Party’s Constitution.
“Their conduct has been deemed detrimental to the unity, integrity, and orderly functioning of the party.
“Effective immediately, Organising Secretary, Tony Alile, Publicity Secretary, Chris Ojiekere, Youth Leader, Benjamin Omonzokpia, and Woman leader, Yami Jatto have been suspended indefinitely from the party.
“Their infractions include, but are not limited to, convening unauthorised meetings in defiance of established party protocols, making disparaging and inflammatory remarks against the party and its leadership.”
Other reported violations involve illegally attempting to suspend the recognised state chairman and secretary, trying to relocate the state secretariat without approval, thereby undermining the party’s operational framework.
“Others are using the state chairman’s name to issue a condolence message without his knowledge or consent and travelling to Abuja without obtaining the necessary approval from the state chairman,” the communique added.
The party also expressed concern that Alile and Ojiekere, who only joined the SDP in April 2025, have quickly adopted a course of insubordination and anti-party conduct, damaging the party’s image and undermining its constitutionally established leadership.
The communique further stated that these individuals are conspiring with a group of transactional politicians and opportunists who typically emerge during election cycles to strike self-serving deals at the party’s expense.
This alliance has been revived ahead of the August 2025 bye-election, with the intent to hijack the party structure for personal political gain.
The statement concluded, “Such actions represent egregious violations of the SDP constitution and are entirely incompatible with the party’s foundational principles.
“The SDP, Edo State Chapter, remains unwavering in its commitment to internal democracy, discipline, and unity.
“The party will not tolerate actions that jeopardise its integrity, legality, or collective vision.”
