The Lagos for Prosperity Group (LPG), a Peoples Democratic Party group, has faulted the purported suspension of a former deputy national chairman of the party, Chief Olabode George, and 23 others by the Deji Doherty-led faction of the Lagos PDP from the party.
The group, in a statement by its spokesman, Chief Kazeem Oshodi, on Saturday, said the PDP faction, backed by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesome Wike, lacked the authority to suspend members in the state.
It also threatened legal action against leaders of the faction over the inclusion of Prince Laja Adeoye, governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), in the purported suspension list.
Oshodi described Adeoye’s inclusion as wrongful, misleading and legally untenable.
He said Adeoye had publicly resigned from the PDP several months ago, and had fulfilled all legal and electoral requirements relating to his new political affiliation.
According to him, no political party can lawfully discipline an individual who has formally withdrawn membership and aligned with another political party.
“The Deji Doherty-led faction lacks the moral, political and organisational authority to suspend members within the Lagos PDP structure.
“Individuals who fraternise with political opponents cannot credibly sit in judgment over loyal party members.
“Their actions over the years have created widespread doubts about where their true political loyalties reside.”
He alleged that some members of the faction had repeatedly acted contrary to the interests of the PDP while pursuing personal political advantages.
Oshodi claimed that the group had failed to deliver meaningful electoral value to the PDP despite several opportunities.
According to him, their political relevance had largely depended on controversies and relationships with influential figures outside the party.
“They have consistently undermined the party through relationships many members consider incompatible with opposition politics.
“Their conduct has betrayed the trust of genuine PDP members committed to rebuilding the party,” he said.
The spokesman said Adeoye left the PDP because of prolonged internal crises and leadership disputes that hindered meaningful political engagement.
He maintained that Adeoye was now fully committed to the APM and his governorship aspiration.
“Prince Laja Adeoye is no longer a member of the Peoples Democratic Party and should not be subjected to any disciplinary action by any faction of the party.
“His name must be removed immediately from any suspension or disciplinary list issued by the Deji Doherty-led group or any other faction claiming authority within the Lagos PDP.
“Failure to do so may expose those responsible to substantial civil liabilities arising from defamation, wrongful inclusion and reputational damage.”
He said legal observers estimated that damages arising from such actions could run into billions of naira if the matter eventually reached the courts.
“Party members deserve answers regarding claims that certain actors weakened the PDP while maintaining relationships with political opponents,” he added.
Similarly, the Laja Adeoye Campaign Organisation (LACO) ,has also demanded the immediate removal of Adeoye’s name from the purported suspension list.
In a statement by its New Media Director, Ayodele Kazeem, LACO described the inclusion of Adeoye’s name as misleading and procedurally impossible.
The organisation asked the PDP faction to effect correction within 76 hours, warning that it would pursue all available legal remedies to protect the reputation and rights of its principal,if the demand was ignored.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Lagos PDP Disciplinary Committee on Friday announced the suspension of George and 23 other members over alleged anti-party activities.
The committee, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Elder Kayode Ogunbiyi, and Secretary, Desmond Agbo, said the decision followed petitions against some leaders and members.
