A group of aggrieved Lagos Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidates from the 2023 General Elections has filed a lawsuit against certain party leaders, including Chief Bode George, former PDP Deputy National Chairman, over alleged anti-party conduct.
Led by Otunba Segun Adewale, the PDP candidate for Lagos West Senatorial District in the 2023 elections, the group consists of 24 candidates who contested various elective positions.
The lawsuit, dated March 26, 2024, was filed before a Federal High Court in Lagos against the PDP (the First Defendant) and six others, including George and Sen. Kofoworola Bucknor (members of the Board of Trustees).
Others named in the suit are Mr. Philip Aivoji, Lagos State PDP Chairman; PDP Lagos State Executive; Mr. Adedeji Doherty, Former Lagos PDP Chairman; and the Lagos State LGA PDP Chairmen Forum.
The case, identified as suit No FHC/L/CS/534/24, was filed on behalf of the group by Omoniyi and Adeleke Law Firm (Primus Chambers) of 15, Alafia Street, Mokola, Ibadan, Oyo State.
In part, the suit reads: “Our submission is that as a party leader, you cannot be a party leader of two political parties at the same time; hence, you cannot promote candidates of two parties simultaneously.”
“We humbly pray the court to hold that the activities of the second to seventh defendants constitute party offenses that must attract sanctions, in line with Articles 59 (4) and (5) of the first defendant’s constitution.”
Meanwhile, during a news conference in Lagos on Wednesday, the group urged the National leadership of the party to sanction all those who worked against the party’s fortune and its candidates during the 2023 general elections in Lagos.
Adewale, also known as Aeroland, emphasized the group’s commitment to strengthening democracy and holding party/public officials accountable for their actions.
He expressed disappointment that party leaders allegedly undermined the efforts of candidates who had invested time and resources into campaigning.
Adewale recounted how rumors circulated about key party leaders working against their own candidates as election day approached, in violation of the party’s constitution.
The group had previously written to the National Leadership of the party in April 2023, expressing concern over the situation but received no response.
In addition to seeking the expulsion of party leaders involved in anti-party activities, the group is also pursuing damages against the party through the court.
Adewale expressed optimism that the lawsuit would bring about positive changes within the party and serve as a deterrent to future misconduct by party leaders
