…Chair denies allegations

A group of members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Oyo State has petitioned the party’s national leadership, calling for an investigation into allegations of abuse of office, anti-democratic practices, anti-party activities and actions they claimed are undermining the growth and unity of the party in the state.

The petition, dated July 20, 2026, was addressed to the National Chairman through the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja. It was signed by Engr. Oshiariyo Stephen Adeyinka and co-signed by several other members.

Copies of the petition were also sent to the party’s National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe; the Deputy National Chairman (South West), Babatunde Ali; and the National Leader of the party and former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.

The petitioners said they were acting “in the interest of justice, internal democracy, party unity and the long-term growth of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Oyo State.”

“It is with great concern that we bring to the attention of the National Leadership a series of actions allegedly committed by the Oyo State Chairman of the party, Mrs. Oyeronke Akinlolu, which, if left unchecked, may seriously undermine the credibility, unity and electoral prospects of our great party,” the petition read.

Among the allegations, the members accused the state chair of exercising the powers of her office arbitrarily by allegedly taking unilateral decisions without consulting the State Executive Committee or other relevant organs of the party.

According to them, such actions were contrary to the principles of transparency, accountability and collective leadership enshrined in the party’s constitution.

The petitioners also alleged that Akinlolu had consistently undermined internal democracy by excluding members from decision-making processes, discouraging open discussions and creating what they described as an atmosphere of intimidation within the party.

They also claimed that more than 50 members were removed from the party’s official Oyo State WhatsApp platform without any disciplinary procedure or constitutional process.

“Over fifty members of the party were arbitrarily removed from the official Oyo State WhatsApp platform without due process or any disciplinary proceedings. This action has alienated committed members, weakened communication and created unnecessary divisions within the party,” the petition stated.

The aggrieved members also accused the state chairman of anti-party conduct, alleging that some of her actions and public statements had raised questions about her commitment to the ideals and objectives of the party.

“Several actions and utterances attributed to the State Chairman have raised serious concerns regarding loyalty to the ideals and objectives of the Nigeria Democratic Congress. Such conduct has caused disaffection among members and weakened confidence in the leadership of the state chapter,” the petition added.

The petition further alleged that recognised executive members had been removed or replaced without adherence to constitutional procedures or the approval of the appropriate organs of the party.

According to the petitioners, the leadership style adopted by the state chairman had deepened divisions within the Oyo State chapter, resulting in factionalisation, mistrust, declining membership and internal crises capable of threatening the party’s survival in the state.

They also alleged that Akinlolu had openly expressed hostility towards the party’s presidential ticket of Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

“It has been alleged that the State Chairman has openly expressed dislike and shown hostility towards the party’s presidential candidate, H.E. Peter Obi, and his running mate, H.E. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Such conduct, if established, is inconsistent with the obligation of every party leader to promote and defend the party’s candidates at all levels,” the petition stated.

The petitioners argued that the allegations, taken together, portrayed “a pattern of leadership inconsistent with the democratic ideals, constitutional provisions and vision of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.”

They urged the national leadership to constitute an independent panel to investigate the allegations, restore members allegedly removed from the party’s official communication platforms pending the outcome of the probe, review executive appointments and replacements allegedly made outside the party’s constitution, and impose appropriate disciplinary measures if the allegations were substantiated.

They also appealed to the party leadership to initiate reconciliation measures aimed at restoring unity, inclusiveness, fairness and confidence among members of the Oyo State chapter.

“This petition is made in good faith and in the overall interest of strengthening our great party. We remain committed to the ideals of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and trust that the National Leadership will give this matter the urgent attention it deserves,” the petition concluded.

However, when contacted, the Oyo State Chairman of the NDC, Mrs. Oyeronke Akinlolu, dismissed the allegations, describing them as false and unfounded.

Akinlolu maintained that the Oyo chapter remained united and focused on strengthening its structures ahead of future political engagements.