Some members of the State Working Committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti state have issued a strong warning to the state chairman of the party, Alaba Agboola over his alleged promotion of factions and taking unilateral decisions in the party.
In a joint statement signed by ten members of the SWC after an emergency meeting, they expressed worry over the activities of the chairman on issues relating with the party ahead of the forthcoming congresses, adding that decisions not discussed nor agreed upon at the SWC were being championed by the chairman.
They argued that his leadership has failed to unite the party for success saying,” his leadership has not effectively advanced the Party’s goals and has caused disarray within our ranks.”
The statement was signed by Lanre Omolase (deputy chairman), Mrs Funmilayo Ogun (state secretary), Aare Amerijoye (state youth leader), Abeni Olayinka (state organizing secretary), Sunday Olowolafe (Legal Adviser), Funsho Afolayan(Northern senatorial chairman), Chief Folashade Akintade (state auditor), Chief Paul Oluwole (state treasurer), Gani Bakare ( Fin. Secretary) and Ojo Gold (Central senatorial chairman).
The statement reads, ” It is clear that the State Chairman has continuously violated the ethical standards expected of SWC members and has flagrantly flouted Party rules. The incorrect notion that he is the sole administrator of the Party, without consulting the SWC must be corrected without further delay.
” The State Chairman may need to engage in extensive consultation, particularly by tapping into the knowledge and experience of the Party Working Committees at the National and Zonal levels, in order to know how to make informed decisions in collaboration with the members of the State Working Committee.
” As members dedicated to the progress and success of the PDP in Ekiti State, we urge him to adjust his leadership style to meet the trust and expectations of our members.
“Therefore, we have collectively agreed to issue this stern warning to the State Chairman Engr. Alaba Agboola and for him to be mindful of the consequences of his actions.
“Unity and solidarity within our party are crucial at this time and adherence to established rules is essential for the collective welfare and future of the party. The State Working Committee is the only constitutionally empowered organ responsible for the day-to-day administration and decision-making processes of the party in the state, and it is accountable to the State Executive Committee.
“This decision was reached during the last SWC meeting chaired by the State Chairman, that the State Executive Committee meeting be slated and it was afterwards slated for May 28th 2024. The Chairman should not mistakenly believe he has the autonomy to disregard SWC decisions by following directives from a specific faction.
“We, the majority members of the SWC, stand united in this declaration for the State Executive Committee meeting scheduled for May 28th 2024. We advise the Chairman to desist from assuming unilateral authority to call any party meeting without SWC discussion and validation. We insist that no agreement was made for a State Caucus meeting; only the State Executive Committee meeting will proceed as scheduled.”
However, in his reaction, the state chairman, Alaba Agboola denied the allegations from the ten-man SWC members about him taking unilateral decisions on behalf of the party and promoting factions.
He explained that the constitutions and guidelines in the PDP did not provide for one man to run the affairs of the part, saying that the contestations and agitations were expected in a political party especially ahead of the scheduled congresses.
On whether the state caucus meeting will go ahead as scheduled, the state chairman revealed that the leaders and stakeholders of the party would decide the way forward during Monday’s meeting.
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