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Tag: SDP

  • JUST IN: PDP, SDP missing as INEC unveils final list for Ekiti guber election

    JUST IN: PDP, SDP missing as INEC unveils final list for Ekiti guber election

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday unveiled the final list of candidates for the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, leaving out the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

    The document obtained by our correspondent showed that the names of PDP’s candidate, Dr. Wole Oluyede, and his SDP counterpart, David Bankole, were not included. Sources disclosed that both parties were excluded due to unresolved court cases concerning their leadership structures.

    With the disqualification of the PDP and SDP candidates, 12 political parties were cleared to contest the election.

    According to the list, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is fielding the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, 58, with Monisade Afuye, 67, as running mate.

    Other contenders include Opeyemi Falegan, 41, of the Accord Party, running alongside Omoyeni Bayode, 48; Akande Oluwasegun, 36, of the African Action Congress, paired with Oluwasanmi Fajuyigbe; and Ayodeji Ojo, 42, of the Action Democratic Party, with Itunu Ibitoye, 35.

    The African Democratic Congress is represented by Oluwadare Bejide, 66, and Babatola Ayodeji, 65. Also cleared are Bidemi Awogbemi, 36, and Akinyemi Adewumi, 53, of the Action People’s Party; as well as Joseph Anifowose, 65, and Margaret Ilesanmi, 68, of the Allied People’s Movement.

    The Labour Party is presenting Oyebanji Olajuyin (67) and Ayokunle Okumade (45), while the New Nigeria People’s Party has Blessing Abegunde (35) as its governorship candidate, with Francis Ajayi (65) as running mate. 

    The People’s Redemption Party is fielding Olaniyi Ayodele (49) and Modupe Adebiyi (35), while the Young Progressive Party is presenting Osinkolu Olusegun and Arowolo Olusesan, the Zenith Labour Party’s candidates are Victor Adetunji (38) and Adesina Oyeniyi (35).

    According to the documents, there are no female candidates contesting the governorship position, while four women are listed as deputy governorship candidates across the political parties. Persons living with disabilities were not represented among the candidates cleared for the election.

    The commission further displayed the academic qualifications of all candidates and their deputies.The APC governorship candidate, Oyebanji, submitted a First School Leaving Certificate, West African School Certificate, Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree, while his running mate, Afuye, presented a First School Leaving Certificate and West African School Certificate.

    However, the PDP has rejected the final list of governorship candidates released by INEC, insisting that the party would participate in June 20 governorship poll.

    In a statement signed by the  Special Adviser on Media to Oluyede, Gani Salau, the said the omission of its governorship candidate was already before the court and should not be interpreted as the end of its participation in the June 20 poll.

    The opposition PDP disclosed that its candidate had instituted a suit at Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking an order of mandamus to compel INEC to publish his name which it said would be heard this week.

    It further stated that it had appealed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti state capital that ordered a fresh governorship primary, insisting that it had filed a stay of execution.

    The party expressed confidence that the courts would rule in its favour, urging its members and supporters across the 16 council areas of the state to remain calm while maintaining that Oluyede remains its candidate and a strong contender in the 2026 governorship election.

    Also, the Ekiti SDP Chairman, Bamikole Ayodele expressed shock over the non-inclusion of its governorship candidate from the INEC final list, describing the development as unexpected. 

    Ayodele who insisted that SDP complied with all extant electoral guidelines and procedures ahead of the poll, said that the party was consulting its legal team with a view to exploring all lawful options to address the omission.

    He added that the party would not relent in defending mandate of its candidate and urged its members and supporters to remain calm while the matter is being pursued through legal channels.

  • SDP hails Supreme Court verdict, says ruling reinforces party autonomy

    SDP hails Supreme Court verdict, says ruling reinforces party autonomy

    The opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP) has welcomed the Supreme Court judgment that fined the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ₦2 million for interfering in the internal affairs of the party, describing the ruling as a major boost for multiparty democracy and the rule of law.

    The apex court on Friday dismissed an appeal filed by INEC challenging the leadership of the SDP, thereby upholding earlier judgments in favour of the party.

    INEC had approached the Supreme Court to overturn the October 17 judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, which affirmed a Federal High Court ruling compelling the electoral body to recognise and include SDP candidates in by-elections conducted across 12 states.

    Former presidential candidate of the party and lead counsel in the suit, Prince Adewole Adebayo, told journalists that the verdict serves as a strong warning to the electoral body to stay clear of matters strictly within the jurisdiction of political parties.

    Adebayo insisted that the SDP has no leadership crisis, maintaining that the recognised national officers, including the Acting National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Umar Abubakar; National Secretary, Dr Olu Agunloye; and members of the National Working Committee (NWC), remain validly in office.

    He recalled that the dispute began after the party appointed an acting chairman who wrote to INEC to nominate candidates, a move the commission rejected while engaging with a chairman who had already been removed.

    According to Adebayo, courts at all levels were unanimous that INEC lacked the powers to question or override the internal decisions of the party.

    He noted that the Court of Appeal had earlier upheld the SDP’s right to restructure its leadership and authorised the acting chairman to act for the party, a position now affirmed by the Supreme Court.

    While acknowledging that the fine would ultimately be borne by taxpayers, Adebayo said it remains a necessary reminder that no institution has the authority to destabilise opposition parties.

    Reacting separately, the Acting National Chairman of the SDP, Professor Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, described the judgment as a landmark ruling that strengthens Nigeria’s democratic process.

    Speaking to journalists at the party’s secretariat in Abuja, Gombe said the Supreme Court verdict reaffirmed the principle that party administration must be guided by party constitutions, not external interference.

    He called on INEC to fully comply with the judgment by recognising the authority of the SDP National Working Committee and disengaging from suspended or expelled members.

    Gombe also urged INEC to remove the name of the party’s former National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, from its records, insisting that the Supreme Court ruling has conclusively settled all leadership issues.

    He expressed optimism that the decision would reset relations between INEC and political parties, promoting respect, fairness and due process as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections.

  • SDP State chairmen endorse expulsion of Gabam, others 

    SDP State chairmen endorse expulsion of Gabam, others 

    The Forum of Social Democratic Party (SDP) State Chairmen has endorsed the expulsion of the party’s National Chairman,  Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam and 10 others by the National Working Committee (NWC), describing their exit as victory of righteousness over evil.

    The party’s NWC on through its National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba on Thursday at a press briefing in Abuja announced the expulsion of the National Chairman, National Youth Leader,  Ogbonna Chukwuma Uchechukwu and nine others for an alleged misconduct, financial misappropriation, and abuse of office.

    Reacting to the development, the Forum of State Chairmen of the party in a statement by its Chairman, Hon. Femi Olaniyi (Ferrari) in Abuja on Friday said their expulsion signals better days for the party.

    Olaniyi, who is also the Chairman of the Lagos chapter, said the party is set for a new lease of life with the expulsion of Gabam and others.

    The statement reads: “The departure of Shehu Gabam at this crucial moment marks a victory for the righteous over evil. History will not overlook the years he spent as national chairman. 

    “Without reservation, Gabam has been a negative influence on the political development of the Social Democratic Party.

    Read Also: Key figures in PDP, SDP, AA defect to Ondo APC

    “At this point, the forum of Social Democratic Party state chairmen would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the party’s National Working Committee for their role in removing Shehu Gabam and others. It is a relief to see the end of such a detrimental influence.

    “Congratulations to all our members across the country and to the party leadership for taking this bold step to protect the party from reckless behavior and mischief.”

    The party’s National Publicity Secretary said the  decision to expel Gabam and other chieftains was reached at a meeting of the party’s NWC, after adopting the findings of the party’s Disciplinary Committee and a subsequent White Paper that reviewed allegations against the affected officers.

    The party said their explusion was the outcome of months of investigation and disciplinary proceedings.

    On June 24, 2025, the party suspended the trio of — Gabam, Uchechukwu, and the National Auditor, Mr. Clarkson Nnadi — over a prima facie case of misconduct, financial impropriety, and gross abuse of office.

    He further said that to ensure due process, “the party constituted an independent Disciplinary Committee on July 4, 2025, which conducted a two-week investigation and submitted its report on July 18, 2025.

    The party spokesman explained further that the NWC subsequently reviewed and adopted the White Paper on August 15, 2025, paving the way for Thursday’s decision.

    Those affected by the expulsion include Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam (former National Chairman) and Mr. Ogbonna Chukwuma Uchechukwu (former National Youth Leader). The National Auditor, Mr. Clarkson Nnadi was relieved of his duties following his voluntary resignation.

    Others are: “Adamu Abubakar Modibbo, Abubakar Dogara, Nuraddeen Bisalla, Solsuema Osaro, Ambo Ekpeyong, Eluwa Ifeanyi Henry, Humphrey Unwukaeze, and Judith Israel Shuaibu, who were accused of disloyalty and unlawful entry into the party’s national secretariat on July 28, 2025.

  • SDP’s NWC expels National Chairman, youth leader, others

    SDP’s NWC expels National Chairman, youth leader, others

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) yesterday expelled its former National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, and National Youth Leader, Mr. Ogbonna Chukwuma Uchechukwu, over alleged misconduct, financial irregularities, and abuse of office.

    The party’s decision reportedly followed several investigations and disciplinary proceedings culminating in the adoption of a White Paper submitted by the NWC at its closed-door meeting in Abuja

    Addressing reporters at the party’s national secretariat, the SDP National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, said the expulsion was based on the recommendations of the disciplinary committee, which investigated the allegations.

    He recalled that the NWC had, on June 24, suspended Gabam, Uchechukwu, and the National Auditor, Mr. Clarkson Nnadi, over a prima facie case of misconduct and financial impropriety.

    To ensure due process, Aiyenigba said the party constituted an independent disciplinary committee on July 4, which conducted a two-week investigation and submitted its report on July 18.

    The NWC, he said, reviewed and adopted the White Paper on August 15, paving the way for yesterday’s final decision.

    Read Also: Messi  set to extend Inter Miami  contract beyond 2026

    Those affected include: Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam – former National Chairman (dismissed and expelled), Mr. Ogbonna Chukwuma Uchechukwu – former National Youth Leader (dismissed and expelled), Mr. Clarkson Nnadi – former National Auditor (relieved of duties following voluntary resignation)

    Others expelled include eight members — Adamu Abubakar Modibbo, Abubakar Dogara, Nuraddeen Bisalla, Solsuema Osaro, Ambo Ekpeyong, Eluwa Ifeanyi Henry, Humphrey Unwukaeze, and Judith Israel Shuaibu — for alleged disloyalty and unauthorised entry into the party’s national secretariat on July 28.

    Aiyenigba said the decision was taken to restore discipline and integrity within the party, adding that additional administrative reforms recommended in the White Paper would be implemented to strengthen internal governance.

    “The actions take immediate effect from Thursday, October 23, 2025,” he said.

    The SDP spokesman stressed that the decisions were unanimously adopted by members of the NWC.

    He said the party’s NWC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to the party’s constitution in all its operations.

  • SDP NWC expels National Chairman, youth leader, others

    SDP NWC expels National Chairman, youth leader, others

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled key officials, including its former National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam and National Youth Leader, Mr. Ogbonna Chukwuma Uchechukwu, over alleged misconduct, financial irregularities and abuse of office.

    The decision followed several disciplinary proceedings, culminating in the adoption of a White Paper by the NWC at its closed-door meeting in Abuja

    Briefing reporters at the party’s National Secretariat, the National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, said the expulsion was based on the recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee, which investigated the allegations.

    He recalled the NWC, on June 24, 2025, suspended Gabam, Uchechukwu and the National Auditor, Mr. Clarkson Nnadi, over a prima facie case of misconduct and financial impropriety.

    To ensure due process, Aiyenigba explained, the party constituted an independent Disciplinary Committee on July 4, 2025, which conducted a two-week investigation and submitted its report on July 18, 2025. 

    The NWC reviewed and adopted the White Paper on August 15, paving the way for Thursday’s final decision.

    Those affected include: Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam – Former National Chairman (dismissed and expelled); Mr. Ogbonna Chukwuma Uchechukwu – Former National Youth Leader (dismissed and expelled); Mr. Clarkson Nnadi – Former National Auditor (relieved of duties following voluntary resignation). 

    Read Also: I’ll remain in SDP, unless… – Adebayo

    Others expelled include eight members — Adamu Abubakar Modibbo, Abubakar Dogara, Nuraddeen Bisalla, Solsuema Osaro, Ambo Ekpeyong, Eluwa Ifeanyi Henry, Humphrey Unwukaeze, and Judith Israel Shuaibu — for alleged disloyalty and unauthorized entry into the party’s national secretariat on July 28, 2025.

    Aiyenigba noted that the decision was taken to restore discipline and integrity within the party, adding that additional administrative reforms recommended in the White Paper would be implemented to strengthen internal governance.

    “The actions take immediate effect from Thursday, October 23, 2025,” he said, adding that the decisions were unanimously adopted by members of the NWC.

    The NWC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to the party’s constitution in all its operations.

  • Controversy trails death of ex-Ondo SDP candidate Akingboye

    Controversy trails death of ex-Ondo SDP candidate Akingboye

    The death of former Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Ondo State, Otunba Bamidele Akingboye, has sparked controversy following allegations that it may not have been of natural causes.

    Akingboye, popularly known as OBA, reportedly died on Wednesday at his Victoria Garden City (VGC) residence in Lagos at the age of 60. His spokesman, Oyeniyi Iwakun, confirmed the news in a statement issued to journalists in Akure.

    The late politician had contested in the November 16, 2024 governorship election against Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and 12 others.

    Since his death, conflicting reports have emerged, with some attributing it to health complications, others suggesting spiritual undertones, and yet others alleging domestic violence. 

    The controversy deepened after graphic images of his body surfaced online, showing bruises and deep cuts on his head and neck, fueling suspicions of foul play.

    Activists, civil society groups, and concerned Nigerians have demanded a thorough investigation, with some warning against attempts to cover up the circumstances of his passing. 

    Read Also: Ondo Govt begins clampdown on fake, counterfeit drugs

    A social media activist, Mr. Jimmy Adekanle, alleged that the injuries indicated a violent attack, urging security agencies, including the police and DSS, to unravel the truth.

    Meanwhile, his death has plunged Ondo’s political landscape into mourning, with tributes pouring in from associates, students, and community members. Governor Aiyedatiwa described Akingboye’s death as “shocking,” noting that the late politician “did his best to cheat death through his numerous deeds.”

    “The shocking news of the demise of Otunba Bamidele Akingboye, an illustrious son of Ikale and gubernatorial candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the last election, got to me.

    “Every death diminishes humanity and this is one that aches so much. Ultimately, the inevitability of death provides a soothing balm and shifts our collective focus to good deeds as long as we still breathe.

    “The late Otunba Bamidele Akingboye did his best to cheat death through his numerous good deeds and we can take solace in the testaments of greatness from the people he touched while on earth,” 

    He added, “As we mourn his eventual departure, on behalf of the people and government of Ondo State, we pray for his family, friends and admirers to be granted the needed fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of his passing.”

    Police authorities confirmed that they have launched a discreet investigation into the case, vowing to leave no stone unturned in getting to the roots of his death. 

    Akingboye, who contested the 2024 Ondo State governorship election on the SDP platform, was widely respected for his philanthropy and political ideals.

  • SDP vows to strengthen democracy in Ondo

    SDP vows to strengthen democracy in Ondo

    The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has pledged to deepen democratic governance in Ondo State for the benefit of its citizens.

    State Chairman of the party, Gbenga Akinbuli, made this known on Friday while receiving the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Akure, the state capital.

    Akinbuli said the opposition party is working with other political groups to promote unity and provide a credible alternative for the people.

    “Our focus remains on building a credible alternative for the people of Ondo State and ensuring that democracy works for everyone,” he stated.

    He also commended the IPAC delegation for their solidarity visit and assured them of the party’s continued support for the council’s programmes.

    Read Also: Ondo SDP sacks state secretary overalleged misconduct, financial impropriety

    In his remarks, the IPAC Chairman in the state, Hon. Olaoluwa Adesanya, noted that the SDP is steadily gaining ground in the state’s political landscape.

    He stressed that IPAC’s mandate is not to oppose government blindly but to offer constructive criticism while acknowledging genuine achievements in governance.

    “We recognize the steady growth of the SDP and the contributions of Barrister Akinbuli to deepening democracy in Ondo State. His induction into the council is a step in the right direction,” Adesanya added.

  • ADC denies claims of SDP merger in Kaduna, slams El-Rufai

    ADC denies claims of SDP merger in Kaduna, slams El-Rufai

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State has refuted reports that the entire structure of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the state has collapsed into its fold under the influence of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Mallam Bashir Saidu, and Hon. Ja’afar Mohammed Sani.

    In a statement signed by its state publicity secretary, Musa Idris, the ADC described the report as “false, baseless, and unknown to the leadership of our party in Kaduna State.”

    The clarification came after a statement by one Mr. Darius Kurah, who identified himself as “Publicity Secretary of the Coalition.” 

    ADC, however, disowned him, stressing that Kurah is neither a member nor an official of the party, describing his claims as “political impersonation.”

    Idris emphasised that he remains the only recognised publicity secretary of ADC in Kaduna State and clarified that the State Chairman, Elder Patrick D. Ambut, was misrepresented. 

    According to him, Ambut only attended a post-bye-election review meeting and never authorised any statement indicating a merger with the SDP.

    “For the record, ADC did not convene any meeting to absorb SDP members. ADC did not receive or collapse SDP structures into its fold. ADC did not authorise any pronouncement suggesting otherwise,” the statement read.

    Read Also: Atiku, Obi, el-Rufai bewildered

    The party emphasised that while SDP remains part of a coalition at the national level, any individual or group wishing to join ADC must go through due process, starting with registration at the ward level. It dismissed any claim of a wholesale “collapse of structures” as having no legal or political effect.

    Reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity and coalition-building, the ADC maintained that its doors are open to genuine political partners across parties, but “cannot be forced open by political opportunism, deceit, or backdoor proclamations.”

    The statement concluded with a call on the public and media to disregard what it described as “false claims being peddled by Mr. Darius Kurah and his sponsors,” assuring that ADC structures across Kaduna’s 23 local governments remain intact, united, and committed to offering a people-driven alternative.

  • Ondo SDP sacks state secretary overalleged misconduct, financial impropriety

    Ondo SDP sacks state secretary overalleged misconduct, financial impropriety

    The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has sacked its Ondo State Secretary, Jimmy Akinyan, over alleged insubordination, financial impropriety and anti-party activities.

    The decision was taken at a stakeholders meeting of the party, which was attended by the members and the leaders of the SDP in the state held in Akure.

    Although, Akinyan has kicked against his sack, saying the party leadership has no locus standing to relieve him of his position.

    But addressing reporters after the meeting, SDP Chairman in the state, Mr Gbenga Akinbuli, said the stakeholders found Akinyan guilty of what he also called “grave misconduct’ and act of sabotage during the elections.

    He disclosed that the decision to sack Akinyan was unanimously taken by the leaders and members of the party, noting that such behaviour was a violation of the party’s values of loyalty, integrity and discipline.

    “Central to the deliberations, however, was the issue concerning the former state Secretary, Comrade Jimmy Akinyan. After a painstaking review and in line with our values of integrity, loyalty and respect for internal discipline, stakeholders resolved that the party leadership must serve as an example to members. 

    “The findings against the former secretary were grave and could not be ignored. His conduct, which ranged from insubordination, financial impropriety and anti-party activities to acts of sabotage during elections, represented a direct violation of our collective trust.

    Read Also: SDP to participate in Saturday bye-election elections, says INEC

    “In the wisdom of the stakeholders, such behaviour cannot coexist with the principles of loyalty, ideological conviction and organic growth, which the SDP stands for. 

    “Therefore, in the best interest of the party and in fulfilment of our duty to uphold discipline, the stakeholders unanimously resolved to relieve Comrade Jimmy Akinyan of his position as State Secretary with immediate effect,” he said.

    According to him, a five-man disciplinary committee led by the State Legal Adviser has also been constituted to review the matter and advise on Akinyan’s continued membership in the party.

    Akinbuli added that Mr Femi Ikoyi has been appointed as the new secretary for the party in acting capacity in the state.

    “To ensure continuity and stability, stakeholders also unanimously appointed Mr. Femi Ikoyi as the new State Secretary of the SDP, Ondo State,” he added.

    The SDP party chairman insisted that Akinyan’s removal marked the beginning of efforts to rid the SDP of indiscipline and sabotage while repositioning it as a credible opposition in the state.

    “We are determined to build a party of conviction and loyalty, one that offers Nigerians a true alternative rooted in discipline, respect, and service to the people.

     “I therefore call on all party members, supporters, and the public to rally behind this renewed commitment to unity and discipline,” Akinbuli said.

    But reacting, Mr. Akinyan told The Nation that the party had no right to relieve him of his position as the secretary of the SPD in the state.

    “The party has no right to sack me, and let me also tell you that Barrister Gbenga is not the party chairman. For that reason, he cannot claim I have been removed,” Akinyan said.

    He further claimed that he is the rightful leader of the party in the state, stating that a July decision of the National Executive Committee (NEC) dissolved the working committee and installed a caretaker leadership, with him as chairman.

    “I have the letter from INEC that made me the chairman of the party. Initially, I was the state secretary of the party, which was when Olu Agunloye was the National Secretary of the party, but when the NEC met in July, the working committee was dissolved and new a new caretaker committee was put in place.”

  • Ondo SDP sacks state secretary over alleged misconduct, financial impropriety 

    Ondo SDP sacks state secretary over alleged misconduct, financial impropriety 

    • …they’ve no rights to sack me, says Akinyan 

    The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has sacked its Ondo State Secretary, Jimmy Akinyan, over alleged insubordination, financial impropriety, and anti-party activities. 

    The decision was taken at a stakeholders meeting of the party, which was attended by the members and the leaders of the SDP in the state held in Akure. 

    Although, Akinyan has kicked against his sack, saying the party leadership has no locus standing to relieve him of his position. 

    But addressing journalists after the meeting, SDP Chairman in the state, Mr Gbenga Akinbuli, said that the stakeholders found Akinyan guilty of what he also called “grave misconduct’ and act of sabotage during the elections. 

    He disclosed that the decision to sack Akinyan was unanimously taken by the leaders and members of the party, noting that such behaviour is a violation of the party’s values of loyalty, integrity, and discipline.

    “Central to the deliberations, however, was the issue concerning the former State Secretary, Comrade Jimmy Akinyan. After a painstaking review and in line with our values of integrity, loyalty, and respect for internal discipline, stakeholders resolved that the party leadership must serve as an example to members.  

    “The findings against the former Secretary were grave and could not be ignored. His conduct, which ranged from insubordination, financial impropriety, and anti-party activities to acts of sabotage during elections, represented a direct violation of our collective trust. 

    “In the wisdom of the stakeholders, such behaviour cannot coexist with the principles of loyalty, ideological conviction, and organic growth, which the SDP stands for.  

    Read Also: SDP to participate in Saturday bye-election elections, says INEC

    “Therefore, in the best interest of the party and in fulfilment of our duty to uphold discipline, the stakeholders unanimously resolved to relieve Comrade Jimmy Akinyan of his position as State Secretary with immediate effect,” he said. 

    According to him, a five-man disciplinary committee led by the State Legal Adviser has also been constituted to review the matter and advise on Akinyan’s continued membership in the party.

    Akinbuli added that Mr Femi Ikoyi has been appointed as the new scribe for the party in acting capacity in the state. 

    “To ensure continuity and stability, stakeholders also unanimously appointed Mr. Femi Ikoyi as the new State Secretary of the SDP, Ondo State,” he added. 

    The SDP party chairman insisted that Akinyan’s removal marked the beginning of efforts to rid the SDP of indiscipline and sabotage while repositioning it as a credible opposition in the state. 

    “We are determined to build a party of conviction and loyalty, one that offers Nigerians a true alternative rooted in discipline, respect, and service to the people. 

    “I therefore call on all party members, supporters, and the general public to rally behind this renewed commitment to unity and discipline,” Akinbuli said. 

    But reacting, Mr. Akinyan told the Nation that the party had no right to relieve him of his position as the secretary of the SPD in the state.

    “The party has no right to sack me, and let me also tell you that Barrister Gbenga is not the party chairman. For that reason, he cannot claim I have been removed,” Akinyan said. 

    He further claimed that he is the rightful leader of the party in the state, stating that a July decision of the National Executive Committee (NEC) dissolved the working committee and installed a caretaker leadership, with him as chairman.

    “I have the letter from INEC that made me the chairman of the party. Initially, I was the state secretary of the party, which was when Olu Agunloye was the National Secretary of the party, but when the NEC met in July, the working committee was dissolved and new a new caretaker committee was put in place.”