Faction in Kogi SDP as Exco Declares Dissolution by NWC Illegal »

A deepening rift has emerged within the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi State, following a decision by the National Working Committee (NWC) to dissolve the state executive council. The decision, announced earlier this week, has sparked controversy and resistance from the state chapter’s leadership, who have deemed the dissolution illegal.

The NWC’s move, which reportedly aims to restructure the party ahead of the upcoming local government council elections, has been met with strong opposition from the Kogi State executive council. In a chat with newsmen on Thursday in Lokoja, the state chairman, Hon. Moses Peter Oricha asserted that the NWC’s decision was taken without due consultation and in violation of the party’s constitution.

He alleged that the Chief Sam Ranti Abenemi-led SDP Caretaker Committee was working against the interest of the party in Kogi State, adding that the former Deputy governorship candidate is trying to illegally impose himself on members in a party they have built from scratch.

“There was no reason for the National Working Committee to dissolve us in Kogi State.

“If you are going to dissolve an executive, there should be reasons. It could be as a result of anti-party, misappropriation of funds and many more. But in our case, nothing of such.

“After sacrificing a lot, they are now plotting to take us out of SDP. This is the height of impunity. I would further describe this as a coup that has never happened in the history of any political party in Nigeria,” he stated.

On the forthcoming Local Government election in Kogi State, Oricha said, “intending aspirants for the forthcoming Local Government election in Kogi State should not patronize the newly constituted Caretaker Committee of SDP.

“Anything coming from them is illegal, null and void. I remain the constitutionally recognized Chairman of SDP who will supervise the party activities ahead of the forthcoming Local Government election.”

Observers note that the internal strife within the Kogi State SDP isn’t surprising owing to the sudden influx of supporters of Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, a former member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who joined the SDP to secure the party’s 2023 governorship ticket after losing it in the APC. Ajaka, along with his supporters were accused by many of pursing ethnic agenda, forcing a shift in the party’s ideological balance, potentially causing discomfort among long-standing members.

The current factional dispute which comes at a critical time, as the state prepares for local government council elections, raises concerns about the party’s ability to present a united front in the upcoming polls, potentially impacting its performance and cohesion. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on how the SDP resolves this internal crisis and its implications for the party’s future in Kogi State.