Crisis in Ogun PDP Escalates as Rival Factions Elect Competing State Executives
The ongoing turmoil within the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) intensified on Saturday, leading to the emergence of two competing State Chairmen along with other executive members.
One faction, aligned with the party’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, convened at the Abeokuta Sports Club and elected Abayomi Tella as their State Chairman. In contrast, a coalition led by gubernatorial aspirant Chief Jimi Adebisi Lawal, Deputy Governorship candidate Hon. Abdulkadir Adekunle Akinlade, and former State Chairman Hon. (Dr.) Sikirulai Ogundele held their own congress at NeuGate Exclusive Hall in Agbeloba, also electing Ogundele as their State Chairman.
The Adebutu faction appointed Sunday Solarin as State Secretary, while the Lawal-led group selected Alhaji Salisu Abdulwaheed Oloruntola for the same role. Both Solarin and Ogundele, previously serving as State Secretary and State Chairman, now find themselves on opposing sides.
Additionally, journalist Austin Oniyokor was named State Publicity Secretary by the Lawal group, while Adebayo Kayode, an architect, took the position for the Adebutu faction. This division extends to all 36 state executive positions, which saw similar splits across the various roles.
This situation arises amidst disputes from the recent Ward and Local Government Congresses held on August 31 and September 14, 2024, leading up to the state congress. Across Ogun, parallel congresses were held in all 236 wards and 20 local government areas.
Two primary factions have emerged: one led by Adebutu and another coalition under Lawal, Akinlade, and Ogundele. Reports indicate that in each ward and local government area, two sets of executives were elected for the 17 ward positions and 18 local government positions.
The discord reportedly stemmed from disagreements over using authenticated voter registers for the Ward Congress, which favored the Lawal-led group. The Adebutu faction declined to submit their registers for authentication by the national party leadership, complicating the process.
This dispute has escalated to litigation, currently before the Federal High Court in Abeokuta, which has scheduled a hearing for October 15, 2024, regarding preliminary objections and originating summons. The court has previously cautioned the party against actions that might compromise the judicial process.
In a ruling related to the ongoing legal matter, Hon. Justice Abiodun Adeyemi emphasized the importance of adhering to legal protocols, stating, “The integrity of this Court must be preserved, and I urge all parties to refrain from any actions that could disrupt the judicial process.”
