A crisis has erupted at the Lagos chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, as members of the State Executive Committee accused the chairman, King Okuneye, of manipulating the results of the party’s primaries.

The deputy chairman of the party, Akinwande Osikominu, spoke at a news conference after an emergency meeting of some executive members in Ikeja on Tuesday.

Mr Osikominu alleged that Okuneye was operating the party without transparency and  made important decisions without involving other members. According to him, the chairman’s actions have deepened division within the party, threatening its chances in future elections. 

He alleged that the crisis reached its climax during the party’s primaries.

Mr Osikominu claimed that other executive members were not informed about the existence of a parallel election committee allegedly set up by the national leadership.

The deputy chairman further accused the chairman of undermining collective decisions reached by party leaders.

The deputy chairman raised concerns over what it called the chairman’s prolonged absence from Lagos, saying it had caused a leadership vacuum. According to him, effective leadership requires physical presence and regular engagement with party structures across the state.

He also accused the chairman of failing to constitute and publish the “authentic list” of local government executives.

The deputy chairman said the development had created confusion, with multiple individuals claiming leadership positions across several councils.

Mr Osikominu alleged that party funds were paid into personal accounts without proper accountability.

“Multiple aspirants have lodged consistent and verifiable complaints about exorbitant demands for funds to influence outcomes, secure favourable reports or gain access to party processes. 

“Party funds are routinely channelled into the chairman’s personal accounts and other unofficial channels, with zero disclosure, no audits and no accountability. The state treasurer has been rendered completely redundant since inauguration, with no visibility into inflows or outflows,” he said.

He also claimed that the state secretariat had been largely abandoned, alleging that official party activities were being held in hotels, lounges and business centres rather than at the secretariat.

Despite the allegations, Mr Osikominu reaffirmed the exco’s loyalty to the party’s national leadership. He urged the National Executive Committee to investigate the complaints and restore transparency, accountability and inclusiveness in the Lagos chapter.

Oluwanifemi Elegbede, the NDC youth leader in Lagos, called on the national leadership of the party not to sleep on the party’s state of affairs in the state.

Juliet Ojudu, the welfare officer, said that if the party was interested in winning elections in 2027, the results of the primary elections should not be tampered with by any tendency.

“Many party members across the state are unhappy with the situation. What we are witnessing is generating frustration and discontent among loyal members who have worked hard to build the party,” Ms Ojudu said.

Emmanuel Okibie, chairman of the NDC in Amuwo-Odofin council area, expressed concern over alleged attempts to undermine the outcome of the party’s House of Representatives primary election in the constituency.

Mr Okuneye did not immediately return a request for comment on the allegations.

(NAN)