A crisis appears to be unfolding within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Oyo State, as a group of party members has petitioned the national leadership, demanding an investigation into allegations of abuse of office, anti-democratic practices and anti-party conduct against the state chairman, Mrs Oyeronke Akinlolu.
The petition, dated July 20, 2026, was addressed to the party’s National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, through the National Secretariat in Abuja. It was signed by Engr. Oshiariyo Stephen Adeyinka and co-signed by other party members.
Copies were also forwarded to the party’s Deputy National Chairman (South West), Alhaji Babatunde Ali, and the National Leader of the party, former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.
The petitioners said they acted in the interest of justice, internal democracy, party unity and the long-term growth of the NDC in Oyo State.
According to the petition, the alleged actions of the state chairman, if left unaddressed, could undermine the credibility, cohesion and electoral prospects of the party in the state.
The aggrieved members accused Akinlolu of making unilateral decisions without consulting the State Executive Committee and other relevant party organs, contrary to the principles of transparency and collective leadership.
They also alleged that she had weakened internal democracy by excluding members from decision-making processes, discouraging open discussions and creating what they described as an atmosphere of intimidation within the party.
The petition further alleged that more than 50 members were removed from the party’s official Oyo State WhatsApp platform without undergoing any disciplinary process.
According to the petitioners, the action disrupted communication among members and deepened divisions within the state chapter.
They also accused the chairman of engaging in anti-party activities, alleging that some of her actions and public statements had raised concerns about her commitment to the ideals and objectives of the NDC.
The petitioners further claimed that recognised executive members were removed or replaced without following the party’s constitutional procedures or obtaining the necessary approvals from relevant organs.
According to them, the leadership style allegedly adopted by Akinlolu has fuelled factionalisation, mistrust, declining membership and internal disagreements within the Oyo State chapter.
The members also alleged that the state chairman expressed hostility towards the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
They argued that the allegations reflect a pattern of leadership inconsistent with the democratic principles, constitutional provisions and vision of the party.
The petitioners urged the national leadership to constitute an independent panel to investigate the allegations, restore members allegedly removed from official communication platforms pending the outcome of the probe, review executive appointments and replacements allegedly made outside constitutional provisions, and impose appropriate disciplinary measures if the allegations are substantiated.
They also called for measures to restore unity, inclusiveness, fairness and confidence among members of the Oyo State chapter.
“This petition is made in good faith and in the overall interest of strengthening our great party. We remain committed to the ideals of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and trust that the National Leadership will give this matter the urgent attention it deserves,” the petitioners stated.
Mrs Akinlolu and the Oyo State chapter of the NDC had not publicly responded to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
