The Osun State Executive Committee Members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged grave constitutional breach over the purported appointment of a 5-man Congress Committee allegedly constituted by the National Organizing Secretary of the party.
The committee rejected the appointment of the said Congress Committee and called on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to immediately rescind the decision in the interest of justice, fairness and party unity.
In a statement signed by Comrade Abdulsalam Abdulkudus, the State Publicity Secretary, ADC, Osun State chapter, the party noted that the action is not only irregular but fundamentally flawed, as it clearly contradicts the express provisions of the ADC Constitution.
According to Abdulsalam, the move by the National Party officer also undermines the democratic principles upon which the party is founded, as it contradicts the party constitution.
“Articles 8 and 9 of the ADC constitution unequivocally vest the powers of organizing Ward, Local Government and State Congresses in the duly elected State Executive Committee (SEC).
“These provisions clearly recognize the State Executive Committee as the authentic and legitimate organ responsible for coordinating and conducting congresses within their respective states.
“At no point does the Constitution confer any authority on the National Organizing Secretary or any other national officer to unilaterally appoint a Congress Committee for any state,” the statement read.
The Osun chapter of the ADC warned that any attempt to impose a 5-man Congress Committee from the national level will be a direct affront to internal democracy, a disregard for the autonomy of the State Executive Committee and a dangerous precedent capable of destabilizing the party structure.
While stressing the supremacy of the ADC Constitution, the Osun State executive committee maintained that any action taken outside its provisions is null, void and of no effect.
He noted that the State Executive Committee remains the only legally recognized body empowered to organize congresses at all levels within the state.
The party expressed confidence in the leadership of the party in the state under the chairmanship of Hon.Raphael Ayotunde Towobola.
According to the statement, others recognized by the state are the State Organizing Secretary, Hon. Ige Ayoola Blessing, Assistant Chairman 2, Hon. Fadipe Ajisafe Abayomi (Yomi Shitta), and Ilesa west chairman, Comrade Ademola Rasaq Oluyede (a.k.a Tallest).
The leadership therefore urged all party members, stakeholders and relevant authorities to uphold the rule of law within the party by respecting and adhering strictly to the provisions of the ADC Constitution.
