Some prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State have announced their decision to boycott the state congress scheduled for Saturday, August 31, 2024, in Lokoja. The chieftains raised serious concerns over what they described as illegalities surrounding the congress meant to elect the state’s party executives.
In a statement signed by Hon. Yabagi Bologi, the Director-General of the Capt. Joe Agada Campaign Organization, the chieftains criticized the processes leading up to the congress. They pointed out that the election of the three Adhoc delegates, which should have taken place before the congress, never occurred. Instead, names were allegedly arbitrarily selected to fill in the results sheets.
The statement further emphasized that the PDP’s constitution and electoral guidelines require the formation of an appeal panel within 72 hours after the Adhoc delegate election to address any issues. However, since no election was held, no appeal panel was constituted, which the chieftains view as a violation of the party’s rules.
Additionally, the chieftains highlighted that the local government election meant to elect national delegates was not conducted in Kogi State, further undermining the integrity of the entire process. They argued that the failure to follow the party’s electoral guidelines renders the congress illegal.
The chieftains, already pursuing legal action to address these grievances, vowed to continue their fight within the framework of the law to restore justice within the Kogi State PDP. They expressed their determination not to legitimize the alleged irregularities by participating in the congress.