Fresh tension has gripped the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following allegations by former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, against the party’s Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, accusing him of manipulating the processes for the Ward and Local Government Congresses.
In an open letter addressed to the National Chairman and members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) on Friday, George expressed concern over Koshoedo’s alleged unilateral handling of the distribution of congress nomination forms in Lagos.
According to George, Koshoedo, who has allegedly been absent from the party’s activities in Lagos, bypassed local party leaders and independently determined the method of form distribution.
He claimed the move disregarded efforts to build consensus among stakeholders and risked creating internal acrimony, public disorder, and legal disputes.
George further alleged that nomination forms were given to individuals who had defected to opposition parties such as the ADC, questioning Koshoedo’s motives and authority.
“The fact that he is the Deputy National Secretary does not make him the leader of the party in Lagos. Why were forms given to people who have defected and are openly working with the opposition?” George queried.
The PDP chieftain, who blamed the party’s poor performance in Lagos during the 2023 elections on similar acts of self-serving behaviour, warned against a repeat of such incidents.
He described Koshoedo’s actions as unacceptable, unjust, and an insult to loyal party members, declaring him a political persona non grata in the state.
George urged the NWC to intervene urgently to ensure a fair and transparent distribution of forms, adding that loyal party leaders in Lagos were willing to pay for the forms to guarantee equitable access to all contestants.
“The old era of manipulation and deceit has ended. Members of the public are watching the party, and our actions must always be above board. We must be just, fair, and equitable,” he said.
Efforts to reach Koshoedo for comments were unsuccessful as calls to his phone were not answered.
