Candidate, Two Others IndefinitelyThe New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has suspended its governorship candidate in the November 16 election, Olugbenga Edema, and his running mate, Rotimi Adeyemi, over alleged violations of the party’s constitution. The party also suspended a chieftain, Israel Ayeni, citing similar allegations.
The suspension was disclosed in a statement signed by 12 members of the State Working Committee, led by the chairman, Peter Olagookun. The statement explained that the trio were suspended on three grounds:
1. *Using the party’s name without recourse to the appropriate stakeholders*: Edema, Adeyemi, and Ayeni were accused of using the party’s name without permission from the state and national levels.
2. *Suing the party without exhausting internal resolution mechanisms*: The suspended members were accused of taking the party to court without first exploring internal resolution mechanisms.
3. *Involvement in anti-party activities*: Edema, Adeyemi, and Ayeni were accused of engaging in activities that undermined the party’s interests.
Edema reacted to the suspension, stating that he was unaware of the action taken by the party against him. He argued that the state chapter of the party did not have the power to suspend him, and that only his ward could take such action. Edema also claimed that the suspension was a result of his ongoing court case against Governor Aiyedatiwa.
Edema’s court case seeks to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his running mate, Olayide Adelami, from the list of candidates who contested the election. Edema also asked the court to interpret the application of Section 15 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) over the nomination of the APC candidate.
The suspension of Olugbenga Edema, Rotimi Adeyemi, and Israel Ayeni by the NNPP is a significant development in the party’s internal politics. The reasons for the suspension highlight the need for party members to adhere to the party’s constitution and internal resolution mechanisms. The outcome of Edema’s court case against Governor Aiyedatiwa will also be closely watched, as it has implications for the party’s future.