***Ogungbuji rejects outcome, calls process manipulative and undemocratic
A chairmanship aspirant in the just concluded State Congress of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Hon. Olaniyi Ogungbuji, has described the exercise as “a product of deceit and offensive manipulation” which, according to him, must not be allowed to stand in the interest of democracy.
Hon. Ogungbuji stated this while addressing journalists at his office in Akure shortly after the congress. He alleged that some party leaders deceived aspirants with the concept of status quo ante only to manipulate the process for personal advantage.
“Some of us who intended to contest various positions were told that status quo ante would be maintained to strengthen and further unite the party at this time. We were also assured that those who had not spent eight years in office would be allowed to continue in their positions,” Ogungbuji recalled.
“Unfortunately, events that unfolded contradicted this promise. The process was wilfully manipulated to feather the nests of a few selfish leaders,” he lamented.
Citing examples, Ogungbuji noted that the State Chairmanship position, currently held by Rt. Hon. Bakkita Bello from Akoko North West—who has spent barely a year in office—was stripped from the Akoko region and handed to Owo Local Government, without any opportunity for free contest.
Similarly, he observed that the Youth Leader, Comrade Babatunde Daodu from Akoko South East, who had also served for less than a year, was replaced with another from Akoko South West, while individuals who had spent more than eight years in office were retained simply because they enjoyed the backing of the party’s power brokers.
He further alleged that other key positions—including Deputy Chairman, Vice Chairmen, Organizing Secretary, Legal Adviser, Publicity Secretary, and Auditor—were arbitrarily swapped in clear violation of the status quo ante principle earlier canvassed.
“From today’s sham, only those backed by the masterminds of this ridiculous charade got their return tickets, while others without such support were swept aside. This is double standard—deceitful, manipulative, and provocative. It is unacceptable and must be resisted,” Ogungbuji fumed.
The aspirant therefore called for the immediate cancellation of the “dangerously manipulated” congress, demanding a sincere, open, participatory, and all-inclusive process that would produce officers of proven character, competence, and content.
“That is the least the party can do at this moment to strengthen its already weak base,” he insisted.
