In a dramatic turn of events, tensions within the People’s Democratic Party in Ekiti State have escalated as members of the State Working Committee have issued a stern warning to the state chairman, Alaba Agboola.
The SWC members accuse Agboola of fostering internal divisions and making unilateral decisions without proper consultation.
The backdrop to this development is the forthcoming party congresses, which are critical for the PDP’s strategic planning and leadership selection in Ekiti State. Amid these preparations, accusations have surfaced against Agboola for allegedly sidestepping the collective decision-making process, thus jeopardizing party unity and effectiveness.
In a joint statement, ten members of the SWC, who held an emergency meeting, expressed grave concerns about Agboola’s conduct. They argued that his leadership has failed to advance the party’s goals and has instead led to internal chaos. “His leadership has not effectively advanced the Party’s goals and has caused disarray within our ranks,” they said.
The statement was signed by several key party figures, including 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 (financial secretary), and Ojo Gold (central senatorial chairman).
The statement further elaborated on the chairman’s alleged breaches: “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 SWC members emphasized the need for Agboola to engage in extensive consultations, particularly with the National and Zonal levels of the party, to ensure informed decision-making in collaboration with the SWC. They stressed the importance of unity and adherence to party rules for the collective welfare and future of the PDP in Ekiti State.
The SWC’s statement highlighted a specific decision made during their last meeting chaired by Agboola: “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.”
They reiterated their collective stance for the upcoming State Executive Committee meeting on May 28, 2024, and warned Agboola against calling any unsanctioned meetings. “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.”
In response, State Chairman Alaba Agboola denied the allegations, asserting that the PDP’s constitution and guidelines do not allow any single individual to run the party’s affairs unilaterally. He acknowledged that disagreements and contestations are typical in political parties, especially ahead of critical congresses.
Regarding the state caucus meeting, Agboola stated that the decision would be made by the party’s leaders and stakeholders during the scheduled meeting on Monday, thus leaving the final outcome uncertain.
This internal conflict within the PDP in Ekiti State highlights the challenges political parties face in maintaining unity and effective leadership, particularly in the lead-up to significant events like congresses that shape their future direction.
