Why crisis rocked Osun PDP ward congress

Alleged non-payment of subscription fees by members of a faction in the Osun State’s chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party {PDP} and non-compliance with other NEC’s guidelines may have accounted for crisis that rocked Saturday’s ward congress of the party.

The Guardian learnt yesterday evening that the tension-soaked congress which almost degenerated into a free for all was marred with protest when a faction allegedly was unable to produce evidence of payment of annual subscription fee totaling N1800 for three years for any member vying for party’s position.

The two main contestants for the chairmanship position, Dr. Bayo Faforiji and Soji Adagunodo in separate briefing with reporters on Saturday at the party’s secretariat adduced divergent view about the botched congress.

Faforiji, who is alleged to be enjoying the backing of party’s candidate in the last governorship election, Senator Iyiola Omisore and the outgoing Central Senatorial Leader of the party, Rev Bunmi Jenyo, demanded outright cancellation and postponement of the congress.

He claimed over 7,000 forms which had been paid for were not released to his supporters by the outgoing chairman of the party, Alhaji Ganiyu OlaOluwa.

On the other hand, Adagunodo, whose ambition is said to be backed by a party chieftain, Kayode Oduoye and Wole Oke, dismissed the call for postponement as “mere rant” saying Faforiji’s supporters were never prepared for the congress because according to him, the Faforiji’s group did not comply with NEC guidelines for the exercise.