The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo has suspended its state’s youth leader, Folorunso Makinde. 

According to a statement in Akure, the party’s State Working Committee (SWC) suspended Mr Makinde on Thursday. 

Kennedy Peretei, the party’s spokesperson, who signed the statement, claimed that Mr Makinde was suspended for anti-party activities.

“The State Working Committee has approved the indefinite suspension of the state youth leader, Mr Folorunso Makinde, for engaging in activities likely to bring the party to disrepute,” he stated.

Mr Peretei added that the suspension of the youth leader was in line with section 58 (1) (b)(f) and (i) of the main opposition party’s constitution as amended in 2017. 

“He (Makinde) is, accordingly, advised to appear before the state disciplinary committee of the party for further interrogations within the next seven days. 

“The party wishes to state unambiguously that it will not be deterred by the crafty devices of the APC who may have found a willing tool within the PDP to continue to ride roughshod on the good people of Ondo State,” said Mr Peretei.

Peoples Gazette learnt that Mr Makinde’s suspension came after he denounced himself and the youth wing of the PDP in the protest against Governor Rotomi Akeredolu. 

A fortnight ago, the party’s youth group youth wing protested against Mr Akeredolu, demanding he resume or resign his office following his continued absence from office. 

A source who spoke to The Gazette on the suspension alleged that Mr Makinde had been “fraternising” with members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) since the emergence of President Bola Tinubu in the election. 

“Many allegations were tabled before him, but the glaring one was when he issued a rebuttal to the protest organised by the youth wing of the party penultimate week ago. 

“That singular act denouncing us ridiculed the party and the vibrant youth of our party. As the youth leader, you are issuing a statement that the opposition party was not protesting against Akeredolu just because you are already fraternising with the APC members,” the source who does not want his name mentioned said. 

However, several efforts by The Gazette to reach out to Mr Makinde for a reaction to his suspension proved abortive. 

A text sent to his line had yet to be delivered as of the time of publishing this report.