• Accuses Him of Taking Unilateral Decisions On Behalf of Party
• You Have No Evidence To Back Your Allegations – Chairman
No fewer than ten members of the state working committee of the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP) in Ekiti State have accused the state party chairman, Engr. Alaba Agboola of taking decisions alone without due consultations with the rest executive members.
The executive members in a statement released after an emergency meeting in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital revealed that the actions of the chairman lately were promoting factions and affecting the unity of the party.
The ten executives members who signed the statement are, Lanre Omolase (deputy chairman) , Mrs Funmilayo Ogun (state secretary), Aare Amerijoye (state youth leader) , Abeni Olayinka ( state organizing secretary) , Sunday Olowolafe (Legal Adviser) , Funsho Afolayan(Northern senatorial chairman) , Chief Folashade Akintade (state auditor) , Chief Paul Oluwole (state treasurer) , Gani Bakare ( Fin. Secretary) and Ojo Gold (Central senatorial chairman)
The statement read, ” At this meeting, we formally issue a caution to the State Chairman, Engr. Alaba Agboola.Our warning follows his departure from decisions unanimously made by the SWC and his promotion of factionalism within the Party, reflecting a significant loss of confidence in his leadership.
” This decision follows a thorough review of his performance and leadership within the Party. Engr. Agboola’s actions have shown alignment with a specific faction within the Party, violating the provisions of Section 58(a)(h) & (j) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).
” We have observed the State Chairman’s unilateral actions and decisions, which are inconsistent with the values and principles of our Party. His leadership has not effectively advanced the Party’s goals and has caused disarray within our ranks.
” The Chairman’s failure stems from his assumption of unchecked authority and disregard for the democratic principles inherent in SWC membership. We expect him to know that some members of the State Working Committee cannot be coerced through intimidation and blackmailing; and we require persuasion based on merit and reason.
” It is clear that the State Chairman has continuously violated the ethical standards expected of SWC members and has flagrantly flouted Party rules. The incorrect notion that he is the sole administrator of the Party, without consulting the SWC must be corrected without further delay .
” The State Chairman may need to engage in extensive consultation, particularly by tapping into the knowledge and experience of the Party Working Committees at the National and Zonal levels, in order to know how to make informed decisions in collaboration with the members of the State Working Committee.
” As members dedicated to the progress and success of the PDP in Ekiti State, we urge him to adjust his leadership style to meet the trust and expectations of our members.
” Therefore, we have collectively agreed to issue this stern warning to the State Chairman Engr. Alaba Agboola and for him to be mindful of the consequences of his actions.
” Unity and solidarity within our Party are crucial at this time and adherence to established rules is essential for the collective welfare and future of the Party. The State Working Committee is the only constitutionally empowered organ responsible for the day-to-day administration and decision-making processes of the Party in the State, and it is accountable to the State Executive Committee.
” This decision was reached during the last SWC meeting chaired by the State Chairman, that the State Executive Committee meeting be slated and it was afterwards slated for May 28th 2024. The Chairman should not mistakenly believe he has the autonomy to disregard SWC decisions by following directives from a specific faction.
” We, the majority members of the SWC, stand united in this declaration for the State Executive Committee meeting scheduled for May 28th 2024. We advise the Chairman to desist from assuming unilateral authority to call any party meeting without SWC discussion and validation. We insist that no agreement was made for a State Caucus meeting; only the State Executive Committee meeting will proceed as scheduled.
” Additionally, we warn the State Chairman against disseminating private SWC contributions on the official WhatsApp loop of the SWC to other WhatsApp platforms and social media platforms, as this undermines SWC authority and breaches confidentiality.
” His use of non-SWC members to circulate unauthorised information is grievous and harmful to his leadership and has consequences on Party future endeavours. And therefore, we hereby state that any individual disseminating unauthorised information regarding the Party or the decisions of the State Working Committee will face legal consequences.
” We thank all members for their confidence in us. This decision is made for the Party’s good and progress. We will work together to ensure the Party’s stability and growth amidst this leadership challenge. We remain committed to the values and principles guiding our Party and look forward to leadership that serves the best interests of all members.”
But, when contacted for his reaction, the state chairman, Alaba Agboola denied the allegations from the ten-man SWC members about him taking unilateral decisions on behalf of the party and promoting factions.
He explained that the constitutions and guidelines in the PDP did not provide for one man to run the affairs of the part, saying that the contestations and agitations were expected in a political party especially ahead of the scheduled congresses.
On whether the state caucus meeting will go ahead as scheduled, the state chairman revealed that the leaders and stakeholders of the party would decide the way forward during the Monday’s elaborate meeting.
