Lagos PDP Rejects Rogue Congress, Threatens Exodus of Members

Lagos PDP Rejects Rogue Congress, Threatens Exodus of Members

 

 

 

The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected a parallel state congress allegedly organised by a faction loyal to former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, describing it as “illegal, unconstitutional, and a wasted exercise.”

 

State Chairman, Philip Aivoji, said the purported congress held on Saturday was a “charade” that violated the party constitution, stressing that the tenure of the current executive council runs until March 2026.

 

“For today’s state congress, it is unconstitutional and illegal. Only the recognised state chairman has the authority to preside over such an exercise,” Aivoji said, citing Section 25 (1) of the PDP constitution.

 

He warned that allowing such parallel congresses could deepen divisions within the party. “Members loyal to the party have already threatened to leave if this illegality is allowed to stand. Internal democracy is being sacrificed for parochial interests,” he added.

 

Aivoji further noted that Lagos was not among the states listed by the National Working Committee (NWC) for congresses, adding that formal communication on the matter was ignored. He accused unnamed officials of distributing nomination forms to cronies without proper screening by the State Executive Committee.

 

PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central), Hakeem Olalemi, urged party leaders to pursue unity. “PDP should focus on putting its house in order to rescue Nigeria,” he said.

 

The press briefing drew leaders, state and local government executives, and supporters. Lagos PDP has long been plagued by internal disputes over state congresses, with stakeholders alleging irregularities in nomination and election processes.

 

Recently, party elder Chief George raised concerns about attempts by some NWC members to hijack nomination forms, while Aivoji dismissed parallel committees as illegal.

 

The Lagos PDP leadership is calling for strict adherence to the party constitution to prevent further fragmentation ahead of the 2027 general elections.