The recent outburst by Hon. E.J. Agbonayinma, a prominent member of our party, during a live television appearance on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” with anchor Segun Akinbaloye on June 5, came as a baffling shock to loyal party faithful in Edo State and across the nation.
A press statement by the Edo State NDC Publicity Secretary, Mr. Azeez Obogeh said, rather than affirming party loyalty expected on national television, Hon. Agbonayinma directed strong criticisms at the state leadership. His remarks mixed personal grievances with disputed claims about party processes.
They were aimed at Bullying the leadership of the party in Edo State and pressuring our National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, to declare him the sole candidate for the Edo South Senatorial District election.
By choosing a national television platform over the constituted internal channels where party affairs are treated, Hon. Agbonayinma made it clear this was not a request for dialogue. It was a public confrontation with clear intent to pressure the party leadership.
Quite frankly, the outburst was unexpected, especially recalling similar actions against his former party. Unlike his former party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress sheltered him in his vulnerable moment and gave him a platform to air his aspirations. While results from the primaries in which he contested are undergoing the final phase of ratification by the Party Electoral Committee, Hon. E.J. chose to dance publicly in the Rain.
The Edo State leadership maintains its stand on equal playing ground for all members aspiring under the party, with no undue advantage meted to any aspirant, while relying strictly on the party constitution and the modalities set out for the primaries. Dedicated aspirants went to the grassroots across all wards and LGAs in their constituencies to sell their vision and mobilize eligible voters.
The primaries conducted on May 29 in the state were free, fair, and widely participated in across the 18 local governments by party members, under the supervision of INEC officials and the Party Electoral Committee. Hon. E.J. Agbonayinma’s claims of electoral malpractice and data manipulation are Hot lies emanating from demonic thoughts, his reaction is term from fear of defeat. The Nigeria Democratic Congress has continuously reassured loyal members that results from the just concluded party primaries will be released after thorough ratification and reconciliation. The party will not bow to unhealthy pressure or be rushed into errors.
The leadership of the party in Edo State, under the chairmanship of Engr. David Olukoga, frowns completely on the conduct portrayed on national television by Hon. E.J. Agbonayinma.
The party discourages faithful members from toeing that line. Members are advised to explore all appropriate channels laid down by the party to resolve internal crises.
