During an emergency meeting at the party’s secretariat in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, the State Working Committee (SWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) formally confirmed Tola Alabere as the party’s acting state chairman on Thursday.
Following Tuesday’s alleged suspension of Fatai Adams as chairman, Alabere, who had previously served as the party’s deputy chairman, took on the new post.
As the state chapter of the party was in turmoil due to a leadership dispute, the SWC appointed Alabere.
The SWC, which comprises of party leaders, decided to support Alabere’s appointment following the suspension of Adams by 11 party members.
They claimed Adams was damaging the PDP’s brand and involved in anti-party activities.
But Debo Ologunagba, the PDP’s national publicity secretary, had already spoken out against the contentious suspension of Adams.
According to Ologunagba, the SWC couldn’t fire the chairperson without consulting the national authority.
The state chapter of the party defended its decision by pointing out that all levels of the party have the authority to discipline party members who are working against the party, as stated in the party’s constitution.
It said that nine of the eleven SWC members had signed the letter of suspension, showing that they did not trust Adams’ leadership.
The selection of Alabere was made in accordance with the party’s constitution and following the correct procedure, according to Kennedy Peretei, the state publicity secretary, who spoke after the assembly.
“As you may remember, a few days ago, the State Working Committee suspended Fatai Adams, the previous PDP chairman in Ondo State, in accordance with our constitution. This action was taken in response to recent events within the PDP.
A stance can be taken by the State Working Committee, and their responsibilities are aligned with the party.
“The State Executive Working Committee, comprised of the chairmen and other executive members of the state’s local government parties, has approved the Working Committee’s decision to suspend Fatai Adams. It is important that the party’s administration remains intact in order to uphold our constitution.”