Anti-Party Activities And Political Integrity in PDP|Amb (Dr) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla Southwest PDP Ex-officio

It is unfortunate but undeniable that anti-party behavior runs deep in the character of some individuals. Despite efforts to instill discipline and loyalty within our great party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), some members have continued to act in ways that undermine our collective mission.

Many of these individuals have previously been suspended or expelled from the party due to anti-party activities. Subsequently, some decamped to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while others joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), often driven by selfish interests.

While it is the constitutional right of every Nigerian to join any political party of their choice, this right is not absolute. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of association, including the right to belong to any political party. However, this same Constitution places limits when it concerns elected public office holders who defect from the party under which they were elected.

Section 68(1)(g) and Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) clearly state that any member of the National Assembly or a State House of Assembly shall vacate his or her seat if he or she becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of their term, unless the defection is as a result of a division in their party or a merger.

Therefore, any person occupying an elective position under the PDP platform and decides to defect to another party is constitutionally bound to vacate their seat. The PDP, as the sponsoring party, reserves the right to challenge such action in court.

However, it is disturbing to see individuals who neither hold any elected office nor appointed position within the PDP structure writing resignation letters to their ward chairmen.

This act is not only unnecessary but shows a clear lack of understanding of political procedures. Such actions reflect ignorance, sycophancy, and political illiteracy. If you do not hold any formal position in the party, there is no need to submit a resignation letter; simply exit the PDP platforms and withdraw your association.

It is even more disheartening that some individuals who have left the PDP still remain active on PDP communication platforms. This is a clear sign of anti-party behavior. We have repeatedly warned such individuals to formally disengage from PDP platforms to avoid embarrassment. One leg in, one leg out. demonstrates a lack of loyalty, integrity, and commitment.

Furthermore, some individuals who decamped alongside their political leaders or godfathers are now seeking to return to PDP through the backdoor, denying their defection even after video evidence confirms their participation in ADC or APC events. The PDP cannot continue to entertain political opportunists or those who lack firm conviction. Our party needs committed, loyal members who are willing to contribute meaningfully not individuals waiting to benefit from party funds or handouts from the National body.

To those in this category, I strongly advise: if you truly want to earn respect and maintain your personal integrity, exit PDP platforms honorably. You cannot belong to ADC or APC and at the same time remain active in PDP platforms. Such duplicity is unacceptable, and we must purge our great party of anti-party tendencies once and for all.

We must thank God that those who lack integrity and loyalty are leaving PDP gradually. The truth is they never meant well for the party. What is most painful is that many of them have benefited immensely from the party in the past, yet have now turned their backs on it when the party needs rebuilding and unity.

These individuals often claim they left due to internal crises within the party. But the question remains: when there is conflict within a family, do you abandon your family? If you have a headache, will you cut off your head? A reasonable and responsible person would seek solutions, not escape. Genuine party loyalists work to resolve internal issues and strengthen the party not abandon it at the slightest challenge.

To those who have truly decamped: kindly disengage from all PDP platforms and stop participating in anti-party activities. Also, admins of PDP platforms who knowingly allow these individuals to remain are equally guilty of anti-party actions and lack integrity. You cannot claim to be a party loyalist while enabling those who have left to continue to meddle in PDP affairs.

The PDP Constitution (as amended) also supports this position. Article 2(2) emphasizes loyalty, discipline, and commitment from members, while Article 8 empowers the party to sanction members for anti-party activities.

Let us remain focused, united, and disciplined as we rebuild our great party. The PDP must stand for loyalty, commitment, and service not opportunism.

Long live PDP!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Prince Amb (Dr) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla
Lagos state disciplinary committee member
Southwest PDP Ex-officio