The Kogi State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has warned Governor Usman Ododo to stop interfering in the party’s internal affairs, describing the move as “unacceptable” and a “blatant disregard for democratic principles.”
In a press release issued on August 4, 2024, Isaiah Davies Ijele, Director of New Media and Spokesperson for the Muri/Sam Campaign Council-SDP, stated: “The attempt by the Ododo-led government to interfere with the Kogi State Social Democratic Party’s internal affairs is unacceptable.”
Ijele alleged that the government is using the suspended Chairman and other unscrupulous members of the SDP to obstruct the submission of candidate names for the local government election. “This is a clear encroachment on party politics,” he said.
The SDP spokesperson cautioned the state government and judiciary against interfering in party affairs, emphasizing the importance of upholding the right of every party to manage its internal affairs independently.
“We will stand firm in defending our party’s integrity and autonomy in alignment with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Ijele declared.
He advised Governor Ododo to focus on governing the state and harnessing its natural resources rather than causing “fracas” in the SDP. “Governor ODODO should be more concerned on how to govern the state and harness its natural resources while the time lasts than causing fracas in the SDP, Kogi state chapter,” Ijele said.
The SDP’s statement comes amid allegations of government interference in the party’s internal affairs, which has sparked concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in Kogi State.
