By Mo Hanif
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has been thrown into disarray as its Ondo State governorship candidate, Olugbenga Edema, and his running mate, Rotimi Adeyemi, have been indefinitely suspended over allegations of anti-party activities. The suspension, announced by the party’s State Working Committee (SWC) in Akure, has sent shockwaves through the party’s ranks ahead of the crucial November 16, 2024, governorship election.
State chairman Pastor Peter Olagookun revealed that Edema’s decision to take legal action against the party without first exhausting internal conflict resolution mechanisms was a direct violation of party rules. "He sued in the name of the party without consulting stakeholders at the state and national levels, which is a clear breach of our constitution," Olagookun stated.
In addition to Edema and Adeyemi, a party chieftain, Isreal Ayeni, was also suspended, further intensifying the crisis. The disciplinary action underscores deep divisions within the NNPP, raising concerns about the party’s stability and its prospects in the upcoming election.
As the situation unfolds, political analysts speculate on the implications of the crisis, with fears that the infighting could weaken the NNPP’s chances at the polls. With the governorship election fast approaching, the party must now navigate internal turbulence while maintaining its presence in the political landscape.