The acting chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Lanre Omolase, has dismissed the dissolution of the Ekiti State Executive Committee by the Iyorchia Ayu-led National Working Committee (NWC), labeling it an exercise in futility. Omolase asserted that he remains the PDP chairman in Ekiti State until a court of competent jurisdiction rules otherwise. He emphasized that the NWC lacks the authority to remove duly elected members of the State Executive Committee.
In a statement released on Sunday, titled “I remain PDP chairman of PDP in Ekiti State; Omolase dismisses dissolution of exco,” he also criticized the NWC for suspending the National Assembly candidates in the state. He noted that the candidates were not given an opportunity to defend themselves, which violates the principle of fair hearing. This statement was a response to the NWC’s announcement regarding the dissolution of the Ekiti exco and the suspension of seven out of the nine PDP National Assembly candidates for alleged anti-party activities.
Omolase further clarified the absence of himself and other PDP leaders during the recent campaign rally in Ekiti, where Ayu and the PDP presidential candidate were present. He pointed out that only two out of the nine National Assembly candidates participated in the rally, and he himself was completely overlooked. He found it amusing that the NWC, which did not visit Ekiti during the last governorship election, was now upset about their absence at a presidential rally they were not involved in planning.
He stated, “Any action that is against a subsisting order of the court is not only a waste of time but also contemptuous. I am still the acting chairman of the PDP in Ekiti, and only the court of law can say otherwise.” Omolase reiterated that his position as acting chairman is backed by a court order, which remains in effect. He explained that the court has mandated that no actions regarding the PDP state chairmanship should take place until the final determination of a suit concerning two individuals claiming the chairmanship.
In addition to the court order supporting his position, Omolase asserted that the NWC does not have the power to dismiss duly elected exco members at any level. He also condemned the suspension of the National Assembly candidates, stating that their complaint centered on the composition of the Presidential Campaign Council, where members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) were given preferential positions. He expressed concern that the SDP has its own National Assembly candidates whose elections coincide with the presidential election, and that the SDP appears to be seeking financial support from the PDP for its candidates. Omolase mentioned that letters were sent to the presidential candidate, Atiku, regarding these issues, but no action was taken.
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