ABUJA — The South-West zone of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has distanced itself from a purported press conference held in Ibadan on Monday, dismissing claims that it criticised former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, endorsed Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and pledged allegiance to a factional National Working Committee (NWC).
In a statement released on Monday, the Zonal Publicity Secretary, Akinloye Oyeniyi, described the gathering as the handiwork of impostors with no authority to speak for the party at any level.
Oyeniyi clarified that no official of the zonal leadership was present in Ibadan at the time of the alleged briefing, noting that the Zonal Chairman, Engr. Deji Doherty, was in Abuja attending the 108th meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
“The claim that the PDP South-West held a press conference in Ibadan is completely false. No such event took place, and no zonal official participated in any such gathering,” he said.
He further discredited the group behind the event, pointing out structural inconsistencies, including the absence of key positions such as the Zonal Vice Chairman, which he said undermines any claim of legitimacy.
According to him, individuals involved in the purported conference are not recognised by any organ of the party, from the ward level to the national leadership.
Oyeniyi accused the group of attempting to destabilise the party, stating that their efforts had failed and describing their actions as inconsequential.
“Their actions are nothing more than noise and theatrics, which cannot replace legitimacy or acceptance within the party,” the statement added.
The PDP South-West reiterated its loyalty to the Mohammed Abdulrahman-led National Working Committee and affirmed its support for the party’s National Leader, Nyesom Wike.
The zonal leadership also urged those behind the alleged conference to return to the party through proper channels, stressing that media propaganda cannot legitimise an unrecognised group.
Oyeniyi called on party members, the media, and the public to disregard the reported Ibadan conference, maintaining that all official communications from the zone would only come through recognised party structures under the leadership of Engr. Deji Doherty.
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