POlITICS: CRISIS ROCK ONDO PDP OVER ELECTIONS FUNDS AS GROUP PUSHES FOR SWC DISSOLUTION

…Says The party has sabotaged —Party’s Exco replies

After losing to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Akoko Northeast/Northwest federal constituency, the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Ondo State Chapter, is facing a serious issue.

As mounting dissatisfaction and worries about internal matters led major PDP stakeholders under the PDP Crusaders Group (PDPCP) to advocate for the dissolution of the State Working Committee (SWC), the State leadership labelled those calls as sabotage.

After defeating Olalekan Bada of the PDP in the previous weekend's election, Hon. Ifeoluwa Ehindero of the APC won the bye-election.

PDPCP called for a probe of the finances of the party over the outcome of the election.

In a statement by the spokesman of the PDP group, Hon. Mayokun Akinmoladun demanded for dissolution of SWC over allegations of mismanagement, lack of accountability, and failure to uphold the party’s principles and objectives at the state level.

Akinmoladun argued that the current leadership has fallen short of expectations, leading to dwindling confidence among party members and supporters.

According to him, key figures within the PDP have voiced their support for the dissolution, emphasizing the need for a fresh start and a reinvigorated approach to leadership.

He said such a move is crucial to revitalizing the party’s grassroots structures and reclaiming its position as a formidable political force in the state.

The group demanded accountability for the reported sum of Two Hundred Million Naira allocated for the Akoko North East/NorthWest bye-election.

Akinmoladun said there are serious concerns regarding the utilization of the allocated funds alleging that there is a lack of transparency in the handling of party resources, particularly in the conduct of the aforementioned bye-election.

The group emphasized the need for stewardship and accountability from the PDP leadership, especially in light of the significant financial investment made for electoral purposes.

They argued that the failure to provide a detailed breakdown of expenses raises suspicions of financial impropriety within the party ranks.

The group stated the implications of such mismanagement undermine the credibility of the party and erode public trust.

His words “The interests of the party members and the electorate must be safeguarded through transparent and accountable governance.”

The group also frowned at the constitution of the campaign committee outside the election jurisdiction including the likes of Engr. Clement Faboyede, Director General campaign council, Hon. Alabi Ebenezer, Chairman campaign council from Ondo Central Senatorial District.

They described it as an aberration and a form of decrepit to the party for losing the election.

Reacting, the State leadership through the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Kennedy Peretei said “Those calling for Exco dissolution are those who have always sabotaged the PDP at every election. The same persons who use the PDP as meal tickets are pained that their anchor man and partner in crime is no longer relevant in the scheme of things.

“And for the record, the Exco was not in charge of finances for the election. The Candidate and the Campaign Council are in a better position to address issues relating to funding the bye-election.

“Have their sponsors accounted for the funds (Alhaji Abubakar Atiku) sent for the 2023 general elections?

“Those who want to go to APC should do so honourably,” the PDP spokesman said.

Sunshine Truth