The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has disowned a series of documents, letters, and press releases shared recently in its name, warning that the party’s leadership did not authorise them. This comes as internal disagreements continue to grow, with multiple factions now jostling for control ahead of the 2020 Ondo State governorship election.
The warning was issued in a statement signed by Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the Deputy National Legal Adviser, who clarified that the communications did not come from the party’s recognised leadership and should be ignored by the public. He said only the National Chairman has the authority to approve official party messages.
Enekweizu pointed to specific sections of the party’s 2022 constitution to back the claim. He explained that only the National Chairman can preside over the National Working Committee (NWC), and no meeting is valid without the chairman’s presence. He also said any document not signed or approved by the chairman is legally invalid.
The party specifically named Dr. Olu Agunloye, who claimed to be the National Secretary, and Rufus Ayenigba, who claimed to be the National Publicity Secretary, as individuals signing documents without proper authority.
The SDP stated that communications sent to INEC, security agencies, the media, and others are considered null and void if they don’t carry the chairman’s signature. It warned that anyone who acts on such documents does so at their own risk and may face legal consequences.
Calling for caution, the party urged the public and institutions to treat the unsigned or unauthorised materials as fake. It ended the statement with a proverb: “A stitch in time saves nine,” hinting that early caution could prevent legal troubles later.
