The national leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has suspended the Delta State Chairman of the party, Mr. Oke Idawene, over allegations of indiscipline, anti-party activities and gross disrespect to constituted authorities.
Its National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, in a letter issued April 2nd 2023, said the decision was taken based on reports it received from the National Vice Chairman of the party, South-south zone, Elder Fred Owotorufa.
It further disclosed that it received reports from the Governorship candidate of the party in the State, Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi FNIM, OON and other sources.
He said: “the attention of the National Working Committee (NWC), has been drawn to the untoward roles that you have played in the protracted crisis within the Delta State chapter which have bordered on indiscipline, anti-party activities and gross disrespect to constituted authorities.
“In particular, the National Working Committee, have received formal reports in respect of your activities from the National Vice Chairman (South-south zone), the governorship candidate of Delta State and other sources including generally from the internet, social media and other sources.
“These activities are considered not in the interest of the Social Democratic Party.
“Consequently, the NWC, in consonance with the 2022 constitution of the party, has approved your suspension from the Social Democratic Party with immediate effect.
“You are therefore, through this letter, formally suspended from the membership of the Social Democratic Party with immediate effect and until further notice, as per the 2022 constitution of the Social Democratic Party as amended.
“Arising from the grievous nature of the reports against you, the National Chairman, has Instituted a Panel to further investigate the reported activities.
“You will be invited to defend yourself before the panel to show cause why you should not be subjected to additional sanctions”.
The letter was copied to the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), headquarter, Abuja, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, the Director of DSS, Delta State, the National Organizing Secretary, SDP.
Others are the Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC, Delta State branch, Director, Civil Defence Corps, Delta State, Delta State Independent National Commission, National Vice Chairman (South-south) SDP and the Delta State Chairman of IPAC.
