Ekiti PDP bans factions, threatens sanctions for anti-party members

The newly appointed Ekiti State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caretaker Committee has warned party members that it will no longer be business as usual, stating that any anti-party activity by anyone, regardless of their position, will attract severe consequences.

The Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Mr. Dare Adeleke, stated this over the weekend when he led other committee members to an interactive meeting with PDP leaders and stakeholders in the state, including former governors, former deputy governors, former senators, former House of Representatives members, and other leaders of the party from the 16 local government areas of the state.

However, the former governor of the state and leader of the party, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, and members of his Osoko Political Assembly were conspicuously absent from the meeting. No reason was given for their absence.

Adeleke, stressing the need for discipline among members, added that speaking against the party, both in private and public, constitutes anti-party activity.

He said, “This and other negative behaviours against the party shall be thoroughly sanctioned without delay. Please be advised!”

Speaking on the various groupings and factions within the party, the Caretaker Chairman said: “I appreciate all the leaders and members of the different groups in Ekiti PDP for their steadfastness and the visibility provided for the party through their various groupings. Thank you for your efforts.”

“However, starting from today and as part of our standard declarations to instil further discipline across the board and to achieve lasting peace within the party, all public displays of groupings must end forthwith.”

“The Caretaker Committee shall frown seriously and sanction anyone who is publicly using any group to create distractions within the party. Please don’t be a victim of sanctions from the party. Up until now, you have all done well through the various groups, and you have all assisted the party in one way or the other. But it is time to sit up and do the work.”

“From today, EKITI PDP is one, and so shall it remain.”

“I was appointed here to get results for the party, and hence, the CTC won’t tolerate any inappropriate behaviour from any individuals, groups, or associations.”

He appealed to members to be united, saying, “There is no other choice for us than to unite and be whole again. I hereby appeal to all leaders and stakeholders to preach and act on forgiveness to one another, and in unison, we shall succeed.”

Meanwhile, various leaders who spoke at the meeting, including former Senate Minority Leader Senator Biodun Olujimi, Senator Duro Faseyi, former state chairmen of the party, and others, pledged their total support for the Caretaker Committee.

They urged the committee not to listen to or take directives from anyone in the discharge of their duties, asking them to provide a level playing field for every member of the party and also give members the formula to revive the party.