Ekiti PDP Crisis Deepens, Secretary, Three Others Suspended

THE internal crisis rocking the Ekiti State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) deepened yesterday as its State Secretary, Dr Tope Aluko and three other members of the State Working Committee (SWC) were suspended from the party. But Aluko in a quick reaction described the action as illegal and an affront to the members of the National Working Committee (NWC) who had fixed a meeting with all warring factions for next week in Abuja.

The Ekiti PDP had been embroiled in crisis over the emergence of two factions. A faction is being led by Chief Idowu Faleye, believed to be loyal to Governor Ayodele Fayose, while Mr Tunde Olatunde leads other faction comprising 11 of 14 members of State Working Committee (SWC).

Addressing a press conference at the party secretariat in Ado Ekiti where over 60 mobile policemen and Armoured Personnel Carriers provided security for the members of the expanded State Executive Committee (SEC) and where the suspension was announced, Faleye also announced the composition of a seven-member panel to investigate the activities of the “erring members”.

Others to be tried for alleged anti-party activities are: Mrs Busola Oyebode, Woman Leader; State Auditor, Mr Tunji Olanrewaju and Mr Femi Esan, Assistant Secretary of the party. The seven-man disciplinary committee comprises Barrister Kolapo Kolade (Chairman); Babade Ige, Hon Animasaun Bamidele, Mrs Lanre Fajuyi, Smart Adebusuyi, Hon Dele Ajibola  and Mr. Kola Lawal.

The party’s resolution was read by the State Publicity Secretary, Jackson Adebayo, whose appointment was also ratified by SEC, following his suspension on Wednesday by Olatunde’s faction.

But Aluko and the State Auditor, Mr  Olanrewaju at a joint press conference described the action as a breach of the party’s constitution, saying they remain  bona fide members of the party with right to all privileges being enjoyed by registered members. They vowed never to appear before a panel set up by a faction of the party.