A faction of the African Democratic Party (ADC) in Edo State led by Kennedy Odion on Wednesday said the party has suspended a national leader of the party and first elected governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.
Also suspended according to a statement issued by Odion were another former governor of the state and National Legal Adviser of the party, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, the newly elected stated chairman of the party, Dr. Tony Alile, Sen Yisa Braimoh, another factional chairman, Dr. Nosa Ehima and six others.
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.
He alleged that the suspended members were engaged in acts of “insubordination, including refusal to comply with lawful directives of the Party;
“Anti-party activities, including conduct inconsistent with Party objectives and directives. Actions capable of causing disaffection, disorder, or disruption within the Party structure;
“Unauthorized factionalization, including creation of parallel organs or structures;
Participation in unauthorized groups or caucuses not recognised by the Party’s Constitution.”
Odigie-Oyegun
dismisses claimsWhen contacted on phone, Odigie-Oyegun dismissed the claims. He said “it is laughable and not worth commenting on.”
He has been expelled – Alile
The newly elected State chairman of party recognized by the National Leadership of the party, Tony Alile said Odion has been expelled from the party by the National Convention.
He said “If you monitor the National Convention, he was expelled, it 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 still remained the state chairman of the party, his tenure ends on the 12th of May and our tenure commences from midnight on the 12th of May but as it stands right now, our party affairs is in the hands of the Secretary who is Charles Imuetinyan who is the Organizing Secretary elect.
“So he (Odion) doesn’t have any rights to speak for ADC anymore or right to call any meeting in the name of ADC because the suspension is not just a mere television charade, it is a declaration from the National Convention
