Ex-Ogun Governorship Aspirant Threatens PDP with Legal Action Over NEC Meeting Delays

By: Emmanuel Ibitoye

Segun Showunmi, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, has issued a legal ultimatum to the party, signaling potential court action if its National Working Committee (NWC) fails to convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting within 48 hours of receiving a pre-trial letter from his lawyer, Anderson Asemota.

In a letter dated January 16, Showunmi, through his legal representative, Anderson Asemota, emphasized the urgency of holding a NEC meeting. He asserted that the last NEC meeting, convened by the ousted Chairman, Dr. Iyorcha Ayu, took place in September 2022. This extended delay, according to Showunmi, violates the party’s constitution, which mandates a quarterly NEC meeting.

Highlighting the party’s participation in the 2023 general elections and off-cycle governorship elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa States, Showunmi pointed out the absence of reports on these elections and mandatory quarterly financial reports due to the failure to hold the crucial NEC meeting.

The letter underscores the critical role of NEC meetings in facilitating effective decision-making and proper functioning within the party. Showunmi, eyeing the National Chairmanship position, invoked Article 31 (2), (4), and (5) of the party’s constitution, stressing the mandatory quarterly nature of NEC meetings to address significant party matters.

Concluding the letter, Showunmi urged the PDP to convene the NEC meeting within 48 hours of receiving the letter to avoid legal repercussions. The threat of legal action looms if the party fails to comply with the stipulated timeline, as Showunmi seeks to uphold the party’s constitutional provisions and foster transparency and accountability within its structure.