By Adeola Badru
A fresh crisis has reportedly erupted within the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), following a breakdown in relations between the State Chairman, Princess Oyeronke Akinlolu, and the State Secretary, Comrade Okunade Aderoju.
The disagreement is said to be centred on allegations of misconduct, lack of internal consultation and unilateral decision-making by the state chairman.
The development has reportedly heightened tension within the party’s state leadership, with Aderoju accusing the chairman of allegedly engaging in inter-party activities without the approval of relevant party organs and running the chapter as a “one-man administration”.
Aderoju, in a statement on Monday, alleged that several important decisions affecting the party had been taken without adequate consultation with the State Executive Committee, describing the development as a violation of the principles of collective responsibility and internal democracy.
“Several important decisions affecting the party have been taken without adequate consultation with the State Executive Committee, and this undermines the collective responsibility and democratic principles upon which party leadership should operate,” he said.
The state secretary further alleged that Akinlolu had engaged in activities involving other political interests without obtaining the necessary approval or consulting the relevant organs of the national leadership of the NDC.
“The State Chairman has engaged in activities involving other political interests without obtaining the necessary approval or consultation with the relevant organs of the National NDC,” he alleged.
Aderoju said the party belonged to its members and should not be operated at the discretion of any individual.
“The party belongs to its members. It cannot be operated solely at the discretion of one individual, regardless of the position that individual occupies,” he said.
He stressed the need for all party officials to adhere to the NDC constitution and established rules.
“The NDC is a political organisation governed by its constitution, rules and collective decisions.
“No individual, regardless of position, should run the party as a personal organisation or take decisions that bind the party without proper consultation,” he added.
The secretary also raised concerns over what he described as “gross misconduct”, insisting that elected and appointed party officials must remain accountable to the appropriate organs of the organisation.
“Party officials must be accountable to the appropriate organs of the party and must operate within the limits of their offices. No office gives anyone the authority to act outside the constitution or established rules of the organisation,” he said.
Aderoju said the alleged actions had raised concerns among party stakeholders, particularly over the direction and administration of the Oyo State chapter.
“What we are concerned about is not an individual or personal ambition. Our concern is the integrity of the party, the sanctity of its constitution and the collective interest of our members,” he said.
He said the disagreement had widened in recent days, with both sides allegedly taking divergent positions on the administration and direction of the state chapter.
Calling for urgent intervention, Aderoju appealed to the appropriate national organs of the party to intervene before the situation escalated.
“We are calling for urgent intervention by the appropriate national organs of the party. The situation must not be allowed to escalate to a point where it will further divide our members or damage the confidence people have in the party,” he said.
He said the objective of the intervention was to restore unity, discipline and confidence within the state chapter.
“Our intention is to see unity restored, discipline maintained and confidence rebuilt among party members. This is bigger than any individual,” Aderoju stated.
The state secretary maintained that his position was not motivated by personal interest or political ambition, but by what he described as a commitment to protecting the party and its members.
“My position is not motivated by personal interest or ambition. It is about protecting the integrity of the NDC, its constitution and the collective interests of our members in Oyo State,” he said.
He appealed to party members, Local Government chairmen, State Executive Committee members and other stakeholders to remain calm while the appropriate organs work towards resolving the disagreement.
“I appeal to all our party members, Local Government Chairmen, members of the State Executive Committee and other stakeholders to remain calm and committed to the NDC. We should allow the appropriate organs of the party to address these issues and find a lasting solution,” he said.
Aderoju urged members to remain focused on the party’s principles and collective objectives, stressing that the constitution should guide all activities.
“We must not lose sight of why the NDC exists. Our collective interests must always come before individual interests, and the constitution of the party must remain our guide,” he said.
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