A fresh crisis has reportedly erupted within the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), following a breakdown in the relationship between the State Chairman, Princess Oyeronke Akinlolu, and the State Secretary, Comrade Okunade Aderoju.
The disagreement is said to have centred on allegations of misconduct, lack of internal consultation, unilateral decision-making and alleged involvement in inter-party activities by the state chairman.
The development has reportedly created tension within the leadership of the party, with the state secretary expressing serious concerns over what he described as the chairman’s alleged involvement in activities involving other political interests, conduct allegedly inconsistent with the principles and directives of the NDC, and the running of the Oyo State chapter as a “one-man administration”.
According to Aderoju in a statement on Monday, several important decisions affecting the party have allegedly been taken without adequate consultation with the state executive committee, a situation he said undermines the principles of collective responsibility and internal democracy expected of party leadership.
The state secretary further alleged that the State Chairman had engaged in activities involving other political interests without obtaining the necessary approval or consulting the relevant organs of the National NDC.
He described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that the party belonged to its members and could not be operated solely at the discretion of one individual.
“The NDC is a political organisation governed by its constitution, rules and collective decisions. No individual, regardless of position, should run the party as a personal organisation or take decisions that bind the party without proper consultation,” the state secretary stated.
Aderoju also raised concerns over what he termed “gross misconduct”, insisting that party officials must be accountable to the appropriate organs of the party and operate strictly within the limits of their respective offices.
The unfolding disagreement has reportedly widened in recent days, with the two parties now appearing to have taken divergent positions on the administration and direction of the NDC in Oyo State.
Against the backdrop of the disagreement, the state secretary called for urgent intervention by the appropriate national organs of the party to prevent the crisis from escalating and to restore unity, discipline and confidence among members of the Oyo State chapter.
He maintained that his position was not motivated by personal interest or political ambition, but by what he described as the need to protect the integrity of the NDC, its constitution and the collective interests of its members in Oyo State.
The state secretary also appealed to party members, local government chairmen, members of the state executive committee and other stakeholders to remain calm and committed to the party while the appropriate organs address the issues and work towards resolving the unfolding crisis.
