By ADEYEMI ADELEYE

A former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, has raised alarm over alleged plans by a chieftain to manipulate the forthcoming congresses of the party in Lagos State.

George, in an open letter to the PDP National Chairman, Amb.Umar Damagum, and NWC members on Friday, accused the Deputy National Secretary, Mr Setonji Koshoedo, of controlling forms distribution with a view to hijacking the congresses.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Koshoedo is a member of the NWC representing the State at the PDP apex decision organ.

George called on the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to avert possible crises ahead of the ward and local government congresses of PDP in the state.

“It is worrisome that Koshoedo, who has not been involved in the activities of the party in the state, either financially or otherwise, collected the forms for the congresses and decided to single- handedly determine the modus operandi of distributing the forms.

“Surprisingly, he didn’t take into cognisance the efforts of the leaders of the party to build consensus among party members in the various local governments, an effort that had already started bearing fruits.

“Koshoedo, by his actions, has brought about acrimony and a situation that may lead to mayhem, disturbance of public peace and court actions,” George said.

According to him, such action will do the party no good, if allowed to continue.

George queried the alleged sidelining of the leadership of the party in Lagos, which has include two life-members of Board of Trustees (BOT) in determining the modus-operandi for conducting the congresses in the state.

He described the action as unacceptable, insulting, unjust and unfair.

“Never again will we allow this to happen in our state.

“We are firing this early warning shot to prevent actions that will lead to political upheaval in the state.

“We appeal to you to use your good offices to remedy this situation before it escalates,” George said.

According to him, the party is just coming out of a period laden with crisis and all loyal members of the Party must resist any attempt to draw us back.

He recounted how PDP’s performance in the 2023 general elections was the worst in the history of the party

He said the party lost because of self-aggrandisement, greed, inordinate and selfish ambition of some people who claim to be members, but always work against the interests of the party.

George said that the state chapter of the party was willing to pay for forms to be distributed in an honest, just and fair manner to contestants across the state.

According to him, the old era of manipulation and deceit has come to an end.

He said, “Members of the public are watching the party and our actions should always be above board. We must be just, fair and equitable”.

NAN reports that the PDP has fixed its National Convention for Nov. 15 and Nov. 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State,

It is expected that congresses will be conducted to fill party positions at the ward, local government and state levels ahead of the convention. (NAN)