A new crisis is brewing within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State as a group within the party, the PDP Crusaders Group (PCG), has demanded an account of the funds raised for the execution of the just-concluded by-election in the state.
The PDP Crusaders group formally asked the party in the state on Thursday to make available the account of the N200m raised and allocated for the Akoko North East/West House of Representatives by-election.
The group specifically asked the State Working Committee (SWC) of the party to account for the funds allocated for the election, calling for the dissolution of the SWC amid growing discontent and concerns over internal affairs.
In a statement signed by the group’s spokesperson, Hon. Mayokun Akinmoladun, who expressed concerns over the utilization of the funds, alleging a lack of transparency in the handling of party resources, particularly in the conduct of last Saturday’s by-election.
He frowned upon the constitution of the campaign committee put in place for the election, noting that most of the members were picked from outside the jurisdiction of the election and knew next to nothing about the area.
He pointed out that PDP leaders, including Clement Faboyede as the Director-General of the Campaign Council, and Hon. Alabi Ebenezer, Chairman of the Campaign Council from Ondo Central Senatorial District, described it as the genesis of the party’s failure, labeling it as an aberration and a form of decrepitude for the party to lose the election.
However, he emphasized the need for stewardship and accountability from the PDP leadership in light of the significant financial investment made for electoral purposes.
According to the group, “Failure to provide a detailed breakdown of expenses raises suspicions of financial impropriety within the party ranks.
“The implications of such mismanagement undermine the credibility of the party and erode public trust. The interests of the party members and the electorate must be safeguarded through transparent and accountable governance.”
The group, which called for the dissolution of the party SWC, said the demand stems from allegations of mismanagement, lack of accountability, and failure to uphold the party’s principles and objectives at the state level.
READ ALSO: Ondo PDP in the eye of the storm
According to him, “Critics argue that the current leadership has fallen short of expectations, leading to dwindling confidence among party members and supporters.
“Key figures within the PDP have voiced their support for the dissolution, emphasizing the need for a fresh start and a reinvigorated approach to leadership.
“They assert that such a move is crucial to revitalizing the party’s grassroots structures and reclaiming its position as a formidable political force in the state.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Ifeoluwa Ehindero, defeated PDP candidate, Lekan Bada, in the by-election last weekend.