2023: Aggrieved PDP candidates drag George, Bucknor-Akerele, others to court

Forum of aggrieved candidates of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections has instituted legal action against some leaders of the party, including Chief Olabode George, Chief (Mrs.) Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, among others, over alleged anti-party activities.

The party candidate alleged that some  chieftains of the party worked against their victory during the last general elections.

The group, comprised 24 candidates who contested various elective positions in the 2023 general elections.

The aggrieved PDP candidates was led by the party senatorial candidate for Lagos West senatorial district in the 2023 poll Otunba Segun Adewale popularly (Aeroland.)

The suit filed by the group before  Federal High Court in Lagos, dated March 26, 2024, was instituted against the PDP being the 1st respondent and six others, including Chief Bode George and Senator Kofoworola Bucknor who are BOT members of the main opposition party.

Others are Hon. Philip Aivoji, Lagos State PDP Chairman; PDP Lagos State Executive, former chairman of the party, Hon. Adedeji Doherty and Lagos State LGA PDP Chairmen Forum.

The case in suit No FHC/L/CS/534/24 was filed on behalf of the group by Omoniyi & Adeleke Law Firm (Primus Chambers) of 15, Alafia Street, Mokola, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The PDP candidates, in the suit, submitted that, as a party leader, one cannot lead two political parties at the same time and, therefore, cannot promote candidates of two parties at the same time.

They urged the court to rule that considering the evidence exhibited before it that the activities of the 2nd to 7th defendants constitute party offences that must attract sanctions.

The plaintiffs sought for an order of the court  mandating and directing the first defendant, the PDP to sanction, specifically expel the second to the seventh defendants from the party for party offences and anti-party activities, saying that this was in line with Articles 59 (4) and (5) of the first defendant’s constitution.

“This is in line with Articles 59 (4) and (5) of the first defendant’s constitution,” the party candidates said.

Addressing a press in Lagos, Otunba Adewale, called on the PDP National leaders to reprimand all the leaders that had worked against the party, and its constitution.

He said that the group took the matter to court to strengthen democracy and ensure that those entrusted with party/public positions were held accountable for their actions and inactions.