A former PDP deputy national chairman, Olabode George, has raised an alarm over alleged plans by a chieftain to manipulate the forthcoming congresses of the party in Lagos State.

Mr George, in an open letter to the PDP national chairman, Umar Damagum, and national working committee (NWC) members on Friday, accused the deputy national secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, of controlling the distribution of forms with the intention of hijacking the congresses.

Mr Koshoedo is a member of the NWC, representing the state at the PDP’s apex decision-making organ.

Mr George called on the party’s NWC to avert a possible crisis ahead of the ward and local government congresses of the PDP in Lagos.

“It is worrisome that Koshoedo, who has not been involved in the activities of the party in the state, either financially or otherwise, collected the forms for the congresses and decided to single-handedly determine the modus operandi of distributing the forms.

“Surprisingly, he didn’t take into cognisance the efforts of the leaders of the party to build consensus among party members in the various local governments, an effort that had already started bearing fruit.

“Koshoedo, by his actions, has brought about acrimony and a situation that may lead to mayhem, disturbance of public peace, and court actions,” Mr George said.

Mr George queried the alleged sidelining of the party leadership in Lagos, which has included two life members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) in determining the modus operandi for conducting the congresses in the state.

Describing the action as unacceptable, insulting, unjust, and unfair, the party chieftain stated that the letter was intended to prevent actions that would lead to a political crisis.

“We appeal to you to use your good offices to remedy this situation before it escalates,” Mr George said.

He recounted how the PDP’s performance in the 2023 general elections was the worst in the party’s history, attributing this to self-aggrandizement, greed, and inordinate and selfish ambition among some individuals who claim to be members but consistently work against the party’s interests.

Mr George said the state chapter of the party was willing to pay for forms to be distributed in an honest, just, and fair manner to contestants.

PDP has fixed its national convention for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

It is expected that congresses will be conducted to fill party positions at the ward, local government, and state levels ahead of the convention.

(NAN)