The Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed a purported state congress reportedly held at NTS in Ado Ekiti, describing it as illegal, unwarranted and an exercise in futility.
In a statement issued on Monday, the party said the congress lacked the approval and authorisation of the National Executive Committee of the PDP and therefore cannot stand.
The state chapter urged party officers at the ward and local government levels, members of the party and the general public to disregard what it described as a “Fayose-led suspension congress,” insisting it has no constitutional backing.
The party stressed that no individual, regardless of past position or status within the PDP, has the authority to dissolve or replace duly constituted ward, local government or state executives before the expiration of their tenure.
According to the statement, ward, local government and state congresses in Ekiti had already been properly conducted before the suspension and factional disputes within the party’s national leadership.
The PDP further referenced a ruling by the Court of Appeal which affirmed the leadership of the party’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum, while upholding the suspension affecting the executive faction led by Samuel Anyanwu.
“The constitution of our great party is very clear. Any attempt to organise parallel congresses or impose structures outside constitutional procedures is illegal, null and void,” the statement said.
The party also maintained that any caretaker arrangement or structure purportedly emerging from such a process remains invalid.
It reaffirmed that the Ekiti State PDP Executive Committee led by Tunji Odeyemi remains the authentic leadership of the party in the state as recognised by law.
While restating its commitment to peace and unity, the party called on aggrieved members and groups to embrace dialogue in order to resolve internal disputes ahead of the state’s governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026.
The Ekiti PDP expressed optimism that unity among members would strengthen the party’s chances of success in the forthcoming election.
