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. State Chairman Philip Aivoji, flanked by members of the State Executive Council, told journalists that the exercise was a deliberate attempt to destabilize the party. He said the congress was organized by a group loyal to former Deputy National Chairman Olabode George.
Aivoji emphasized that the current State Executive Council’s tenure remains valid until March 2026 and cannot be prematurely dissolved. Citing Section 25(1) of the party’s constitution, which requires a state congress to be chaired by the state chairman, he declared the parallel congress null and void. The state executive committee has disassociated itself from the event, calling it a “wasted effort” that cannot stand the test of time.
The chairman warned that such actions could worsen internal divisions within the Lagos PDP, noting that several loyal members have threatened 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 congress, and the NWC confirmed that Lagos had been excluded. Aivoji accused some national officers of bypassing due process, alleging that aspirant forms were distributed to allies without proper screening or involvement of the state executives.
Aivoji urged PDP leaders to resist actions that could deepen party divisions, emphasizing the need for peace, unity, and respect for due process. The Lagos State Executive Committee condemned the conduct of the illegal congress, which aimed to elect new officers despite the current executive’s unexpired tenure. He reiterated the committee’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and stability, rejecting the chaotic situation created by the parallel congress. This development highlights ongoing internal conflicts within the PDP and potential implications for the party’s unity and stability in Lagos State.
Comments are closed for this story.