PDP Southwest Ex-officio, Defends Bode George, Laja Adeoye, Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, Other PDP Leaders Over Suspension Claims

…As Ewenla questions legitimacy of disciplinary committee, urges members to disregard sanctions

…Dismisses factional pronouncement, reaffirms loyalty to PDP

A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South-West leadership, Amb. (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla, has dismissed the reported suspension of several prominent PDP leaders and members in Lagos State, describing the exercise as lacking constitutional backing and credibility.

Ewenla’s reaction followed media reports that a disciplinary committee aligned with a faction within the Lagos State chapter of the PDP had announced the suspension of 24 party leaders and members over alleged anti-party activities.

Among those reportedly suspended are party stalwarts including Chief Bode George, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, Tunji Shelle, Rita Orji, Setonji Koshoedo, Roli George, Adetokunbo Pearse, and Prince Amb. (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla himself.

In a statement issued on Friday, Ewenla said the purported suspension occurred amid an unresolved leadership dispute within the Lagos PDP, noting that the legitimacy of various factions and their decisions remains a subject of contention among party stakeholders.

He questioned the credibility of the suspension list, arguing that it contained the names of respected party leaders as well as individuals whose current political affiliations, according to him, should have prompted further verification before publication.

Ewenla specifically pointed to the inclusion of Mrs. Idera Sodipo and Abimbola Ogunkelu, whom he claimed are no longer active members of the Lagos PDP, with one allegedly associated with another political party and another having publicly declared for the Action Democratic Congress (ADC).

According to him, the inclusion of such individuals raises concerns about the accuracy of the exercise and suggests a lack of proper consultation and up-to-date membership records.

“The presence of individuals widely known not to be active members of the Lagos State PDP calls into question the credibility of those responsible for compiling and publishing the suspension list,” he stated.

The PDP chieftain argued that if many of the party’s longstanding leaders and committed members were purportedly suspended, questions would naturally arise regarding the composition and legitimacy of the remaining party structure in the state.

He emphasized that party discipline must be exercised strictly in line with the PDP Constitution, established procedures, and principles of fairness and due process, adding that actions taken outside recognized constitutional frameworks cannot command legitimacy among party members.

Ewenla maintained that neither he nor the majority of those named on the suspension list had been validly suspended from the party.

He reaffirmed their commitment to the PDP and pledged continued support for efforts aimed at strengthening party unity and growth.Ewenla subsequently called on party members, supporters, stakeholders, and the general public to disregard the suspension list, insisting that it does not affect the membership status or rights of any of the individuals named.

The PDP South-West Ex-Officio further urged party faithful across Lagos State and the South-West to remain calm and committed to the ideals of the party while efforts continue to promote unity and democratic values within the PDP.

The reported suspensions come amid ongoing internal disagreements within the Lagos State chapter of the PDP, with various groups laying claim to leadership and authority within the party structure.