The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected a parallel state congress held on Saturday, describing it as illegal and unconstitutional. According to the State Chairman, Philip Aivoji, the exercise was a deliberate attempt to destabilize the party. Aivoji, flanked by members of the State Executive Council, addressed journalists in Lagos, stating that the congress was organized by a group loyal to former Deputy National Chairman, Olabode George.
The current State Executive Council’s tenure, Aivoji emphasized, remains valid until March 2026 and cannot be prematurely dissolved. He cited Section 25 (1) of the party’s constitution, which stipulates that a state congress must be chaired by the state chairman, rendering the parallel congress null and void. The state executive committee has disassociated itself from the exercise, which Aivoji described as a “wasted effort” that cannot stand the test of time.
Aivoji warned that such actions could worsen internal divisions within the Lagos PDP, with several loyal members threatening to leave if the “illegality” is allowed to stand. He revealed that the Lagos PDP leadership had informed the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the National Working Committee (NWC) about the error in scheduling the state for congress, with the NWC confirming that Lagos had been excluded.
The chairman accused some national officers of bypassing due process, alleging that forms for aspirants were distributed to allies without proper screening or involvement of the state executives. Aivoji urged PDP leaders to resist actions that could deepen divisions within the party, emphasizing the need for peace, unity, and respect for due process.
The Lagos State Executive Committee has condemned the conduct of the illegal congress, which aimed to elect new officers despite the current executive’s unexpired tenure. Aivoji reiterated the committee’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and stability, rejecting the chaotic situation created by the parallel congress. The development highlights the ongoing internal conflicts within the PDP, with potential implications for the party’s unity and stability in the Lagos State chapter.
