The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State is facing a fresh crisis ahead of the upcoming state congresses. Members of the State Working Committee (SWC) have accused the State Chairman, Chief Agboola Alaba, of failing to include other executives in decision-making processes, effectively running the party like his personal fiefdom.
In a joint statement issued after an emergency meeting, the SWC members expressed concerns over Alaba’s unilateral actions, particularly regarding decisions related to the forthcoming congress. The statement, signed by key SWC members including Lanre Omolase (Deputy Chairman), Mrs. Funmilayo Ogun (Secretary), Aare Amerijoye (Youth Leader), Abeni Olayinka (Organizing Secretary), Sunday Olowolafe (Legal Adviser), Funsho Afolayan (Northern Senatorial Chairman), Chief Folashade Akintade (Auditor), Chief Paul Oluwole (Treasurer), Gani Bakare (Financial Secretary), and Ojo Gold (Central Senatorial Chairman), highlighted their discontent with Alaba’s leadership style.
The statement reads: “It is clear that the 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 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 make informed decisions in collaboration with the members of the State Working Committee.”
The SWC members argued that Alaba’s failure to unite the party has not effectively advanced the party’s aims and objectives but has instead caused disarray within the party ranks. They urged him to adjust his leadership style to meet the trust and expectations of party members and warned of the potential consequences of his actions if he fails to do so.
In response, Chief Agboola Alaba denied the allegations of taking unilateral decisions and promoting factions within the party. He explained that the party constitution and guidelines do not allow one person to run the party's affairs independently, and he acknowledged that contestations and agitations are common in political parties, especially ahead of scheduled congresses. Alaba maintained that his actions have been within the bounds of party rules and aimed at promoting the party's success.
