From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The Etsako East Local Government Area chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has announced the immediate suspension of the Ward 6 Chairman, Philip Ojo, over alleged acts of gross misconduct.
Executive members of Ward 6 in Etsako East, under the leadership of Vice Chairman Peter Abekhe, stated that the decision followed Philip Ojo’s alleged refusal to respond to official queries and accusations of gross misconduct.
In a letter of suspension addressed to the National Chairman of the party, through the state and LGA Chairmen, Ojo was accused of failing to effectively lead the party in the ward in accordance with the APC constitution.
The letter, sighted by Daily Sun, reads in part:
“In a letter dated the 24th day of December 2024, the Ward 6 Executive in Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State, gave the ward chairman a 48-hour ultimatum to show cause why disciplinary actions would not be taken against him for gross misconduct. Having failed to respond to the counts levelled against him in the said letter, we, the Executives of Ward 6 in Etsako East Local Government Area in Edo State, hereby, on this 26th day of December 2024, resolve as follows:
- That a vote of no confidence is hereby passed on Mr Philip Ojo, Ward 6 Chairman, Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State.
- That Mr Philip Ojo is suspended from being the chairman of the ward.
- That Mr Philip Ojo ceases to be the Chairman of Ward 6 in Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State, indefinitely.”
Among the allegations levelled against him are the misappropriation of funds allocated for mobilising party members to collect INEC voter cards and collusion with opposition parties to undermine the APC’s operations. These actions, described as anti-party activities, have been deemed detrimental to the party’s integrity and objectives in the region.
The suspension took effect on December 26, 2024, following the issuance of a query to Ojo on December 24, 2024, to which he reportedly failed to respond.
In addition to his suspension, the ward executive members resolved that Ojo must immediately return all party assets and materials in his possession. He has also been directed to cease identifying himself as the APC Ward 6 Chairman or as a member of the party. Failure to comply with these directives will result in legal action, including charges for criminal offences.
The APC constitution explicitly empowers the majority of ward executives to suspend any executive or party member found guilty of actions that violate the party’s principles and constitution. This decision underscores the party’s commitment to maintaining discipline, accountability, and integrity among its members at all levels.
The ward executives reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening the party’s presence and ensuring its leadership aligns with the values and vision of the APC.