Ogun PDP Slams ‘Political Ambush’ Claims APC Behind Suit, As Former Party Chairman, Ogundele Challenges LG Election Candidates

The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised alarm over a recent lawsuit filed by former state party chairman, Dr. Sikirulai Ogundele, and 13 local government chairmen, alleging that it’s a politically motivated attempt to undermine their chances in the upcoming local government elections.

According to a statement released by PDP Publicity Secretary Arc. Kayode Adebayo, the legal action aims to challenge the validity of the PDP’s candidate list submitted for the elections, claiming that the listed candidates are not included in the registers verified by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

Dr. Ogundele’s lawsuit seeks a court order to invalidate the entire slate of PDP candidates, including those running for chairmanship and councillorship positions.

The PDP has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the move to stifle their momentum. “We are aware of the APC’s plot to manipulate OGSIEC [Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission] into receiving a parallel candidate list,” Adebayo said.

“This is a calculated attempt by the APC to dent the strong support our candidates have gained across Ogun’s 236 wards.”

The PDP maintains that its candidate selection process adheres to its party’s constitution, with local ward chairmen and secretaries verifying the registers, not the NWC. Adebayo emphasized that any attempt to bypass the established rules is legally unsound and designed to distract the PDP from the upcoming election.

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Expressing confidence in the party’s legal position, Adebayo urged PDP supporters to “remain calm and continue their campaigns.”

He also warned the judiciary to ‘steer clear of orchestrated political schemes,’ stating that the time for filing objections to OGSIEC has already passed, making the lawsuit, in his words, “dead on arrival.”

The PDP’s claims highlight the high-stakes atmosphere in Ogun’s political scene as opposition parties vie to challenge the APC’s hold on power. The local government election, set to take place by 16th of November, 2024, could prove critical in testing the APC’s grip on Ogun politics amidst what the PDP describes as “growing discontent” with the current administration under Governor Dapo Abiodun.