The political camp of Allied People’s Movement (APM) governorship candidate, Adelaja Adeoye, has issued a strong rebuttal to his inclusion in a purported suspension list circulated by individuals claiming to be acting on behalf of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing the action as misleading, legally untenable and procedurally defective.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Laja Adeoye Campaign Organisation (LACO) demanded the immediate removal of Adeoye’s name from the controversial list, insisting that the governorship hopeful had long ceased to be a member of the PDP before the alleged disciplinary action was announced.
The development adds a fresh layer of controversy to the ongoing political maneuvering within opposition circles, with LACO questioning the legality and credibility of attempts to sanction an individual who, according to the organisation, no longer belongs to the party.
Signed by the campaign’s New Media Director, Ayodele Kazeem, the statement stressed that Adeoye voluntarily resigned from the PDP several months ago and had since fulfilled all legal and electoral obligations relating to his new political affiliation.
The organisation maintained that Adeoye’s political status is fully recognised under the Electoral Act and other relevant laws governing party membership and political participation in Nigeria.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Mr. Adelaja Adeoye voluntarily resigned his membership of the PDP several months ago and has since fulfilled all legal and electoral requirements relating to his political affiliation in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement read.
LACO argued that it was both inconceivable and procedurally impossible for a political party to suspend an individual who was no longer a member of its fold.
According to the organisation, the inclusion of Adeoye’s name on the purported suspension list raises serious questions about the motives and understanding of those responsible for the publication.
“It is therefore inconceivable and procedurally impossible for a political party to suspend an individual who is no longer a member of that party,” the organisation stated.
“The action not only exposes the recklessness of its promoters but also raises serious concerns about their understanding of basic political and legal processes.”
The campaign organisation clarified that it had no interest in interfering in the internal affairs of the PDP or questioning whatever disciplinary measures the party may choose to take against its members.
However, it insisted that Adeoye’s name must be removed from all documents and publications linked to the purported suspension exercise.
Consequently, LACO issued a 76-hour ultimatum for the correction to be made, warning that failure to comply would compel it to pursue legal remedies to safeguard the rights, reputation and political standing of its principal.
“We expect this correction to be made within seventy-six hours of this notice. Failure to comply will leave us with no option but to explore all available legal remedies to protect the reputation and rights of our principal,” the statement added.
The organisation further reaffirmed its commitment to issue-based politics, democratic values and strict adherence to the rule of law.
The dispute comes at a time when political parties across the country are intensifying internal realignments and strategic positioning ahead of future electoral contests. While the authenticity and status of the alleged suspension list remain subjects of contention, LACO’s response signals that the matter could ultimately be settled in court if corrective action is not taken within the stipulated time frame.
For now, the controversy underscores the increasingly charged nature of Nigeria’s political environment, where questions of party membership, loyalty and legitimacy continue to generate legal and political battles beyond the campaign trail.
