A Notable PDP Stakeholder and leading aspirant, Diekola Owonikoko, has raised concerns over alleged marginalization, favouritism and candidate imposition within the Peoples Democratic Party structure in Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Owonikoko, in a petition addressed to the State Executive Committee of the party in Ibadan, warned that the growing dissatisfaction among members could threaten the party’s unity and electoral chances ahead of forthcoming elections.
He said the internal atmosphere within the local government had created anxiety among loyal party members who expected a more inclusive process.
He alleged that a significant number of committed party members had been sidelined, while opportunities within the party were being used to advance personal interests instead of strengthening the PDP’s chances of victory in Afijio.
According to him, many members now believe the party structure is being manipulated in favour of a select few at the expense of the broader membership base.
According to him, the current trend of presenting candidates who had previously contested without success could weaken the party’s position and discourage loyal supporters.
“Elections are not merely about allocating tickets; they are about winning and presenting candidates who can genuinely secure victory for the party,” he said.
The stakeholder also pointed to growing frustration among party members in Awe, where he said supporters felt unheard and neglected, a development he noted could affect voter confidence.
“Our people in Awe and other communities feel sidelined, and if urgent steps are not taken, it may create avoidable setbacks for the party at the polls,” he added.
He called on the State Exco to urgently intervene by sending neutral representatives to Afijio Local Government to meet with grassroots stakeholders and obtain an independent assessment of the situation.
He maintained that only direct consultations with genuine party faithful would provide the leadership with an accurate picture of events on the ground.
Owonikoko further urged the party leadership to carry out a transparent review of its primaries process and ticket allocation, insisting that credibility, acceptability and electoral viability must guide the selection of candidates.
He added that Afijio remained a strong potential base for the PDP if fairness, inclusiveness and strategic leadership decisions were prioritised.
