Crisis hits Oyo NDC as members petition national leadership over alleged misconduct

…Accuse State Chairman of Abuse of Office, Anti-Party Activities

By Adeola Badru

IBADAN — A crisis is brewing within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Oyo State as a group of party members has petitioned the national leadership, demanding an investigation into allegations of abuse of office, anti-democratic practices and anti-party conduct against the state chairman, Mrs Oyeronke Akinlolu.

The petition, dated July 20, 2026, was addressed to the National Chairman of the party, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, through the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. It was signed by Engr. Oshiariyo Stephen Adeyinka and co-signed by other members.

Copies of the petition were also sent to the party’s Deputy National Chairman (South West), Alhaji Babatunde Ali, and the National Leader of the party, former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.

The aggrieved members said they were acting in the interest of justice, internal democracy, party unity and the long-term growth of the party in Oyo State.

In the petition, the members alleged that the actions of the state chairman, if left unchecked, could undermine the credibility, unity and electoral prospects of the party in the state.

They accused Akinlolu of allegedly taking unilateral decisions without consulting the State Executive Committee or other relevant organs of the party, contrary to the principles of transparency and collective leadership.

The petitioners also alleged that the chairman had weakened internal democracy by excluding members from decision-making processes, discouraging open discussions and creating what they described as an atmosphere of intimidation within the party.

They further claimed that more than 50 members were removed from the party’s official Oyo State WhatsApp platform without disciplinary procedures.

According to them, the action had affected communication among members and contributed to divisions within the party.

The petitioners also accused the state chairman of alleged anti-party conduct, claiming that some of her actions and public statements had raised concerns about her commitment to the ideals and objectives of the NDC.

They alleged that recognised executive members had been removed or replaced without following the party’s constitutional procedures or obtaining approval from relevant organs.

The members further claimed that the leadership style allegedly adopted by Akinlolu had resulted in factionalisation, mistrust, declining membership and internal disagreements within the Oyo State chapter.

The petition also alleged that the state chairman had expressed hostility towards the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The petitioners argued that the allegations represented a pattern of leadership inconsistent with the democratic principles, constitutional provisions and vision of the party.

They urged the national leadership to constitute an independent panel to investigate the allegations, restore members allegedly removed from official communication platforms pending the outcome of the probe, review executive appointments and replacements allegedly made outside constitutional provisions, and take appropriate disciplinary action if the allegations were proven.

The members also called on the party leadership to implement measures aimed at restoring unity, inclusiveness, fairness and confidence among members of the Oyo State chapter.

“This petition is made in good faith and in the overall interest of strengthening our great party. We remain committed to the ideals of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and trust that the National Leadership will give this matter the urgent attention it deserves,” the petitioners stated.

Mrs Akinlolu and the Oyo State chapter of the party had yet to publicly respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.