The Uhunmwode NDC chapter has rejected the Edo State party leadership's interpretation of the status quo, insisting that the State Congress held on May 4, 2026, remains the foundation of its leadership structure. The chapter has also called on the State Working Committee to clarify the apparent contradiction between the State Chairman's explanation at the October 5 meeting and a subsequent memo issued on October 16.
The leadership crisis within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Uhunmwode Local Government Area has taken another turn following a counter-reply challenging the interpretation of the status quo contained in an internal memo signed by the Edo State NDC Secretary, Mr. Peter Ajube, dated October 16, 2026.
In the counter-reply, the concerned party executives expressed dissatisfaction with the State Secretary's interpretation of the State Working Committee's resolution, arguing that it contradicts the explanation reportedly given by the State Chairman during a meeting held on October 5, 2026.
The executives maintained that the issue requires clarification to prevent further confusion and division within the party.
According to the counter-reply, three individuals raised questions concerning the status quo during the October 5 meeting.
The publication stated that the State Chairman responded by explaining that the status quo referred to the congress that produced Charles Emwanta as the Uhunmwode Local Government Chairman.
The executives maintained that the explanation was given openly in the presence of party members who could attest to what transpired at the meeting.
They therefore questioned why the subsequent October 16 memo appeared to interpret the status quo differently by referring to a position allegedly reached during a harmonisation meeting at Ray Solo Hotel, Idokpa, in Uhunmwode LGA.
A major point raised in the counter-reply concerns the claim that a harmonisation exercise took place at Ray Solo Hotel, Idokpa.
The executives categorically disputed the assertion, maintaining that no genuine harmonisation took place at the venue.
According to the publication, harmonisation should involve consultation, mutual understanding, and agreement among the relevant parties. The executives argued that where such a process has not taken place, it would be inappropriate to present any alleged arrangement as the outcome of a harmonisation exercise.
They consequently challenged the State Working Committee to explain the basis for relying on the alleged harmonisation outcome in determining the status quo in Uhunmwode LGA.
The executives also questioned why an arrangement they dispute should be used to redefine the existing leadership structure.
The counter-reply placed strong emphasis on the State Congress held on May 4, 2026, describing it as the foundation of the Uhunmwode NDC leadership structure.
The executives maintained that the congress, which they recognise as the basis of the chapter's leadership, should guide any subsequent interpretation of the status quo.
They argued that directives and interpretations issued by the party's leadership should remain consistent with the decisions of recognised congresses and applicable resolutions of authorised party organs.
The publication further questioned why the meaning of the status quo appeared to have changed between the October 5 meeting and the October 16 memo.
According to the executives, the State Working Committee should provide a clear explanation of the apparent inconsistency to enable members to understand the position of the party leadership.
The counter-reply also raised concerns over alleged threats and pressure reportedly directed at the State Chairman in connection with the Uhunmwode leadership crisis.
The executives stated that they were aware of the issues surrounding the matter and cautioned against allowing intimidation or external pressure to influence decisions affecting the party's leadership structure.
They maintained that decisions within the NDC should be guided by fairness, justice, internal democracy, and the established principles of the party.
The publication called on the State Working Committee to demonstrate consistency and impartiality, stressing that contradictory interpretations without adequate explanation could weaken members' confidence in the party's leadership.
The allegations of threats and pressure were presented as concerns raised by the executives in their counter-reply.
The executives called on the State Chairman and the State Working Committee to clarify their position on the status quo and explain the apparent difference between the October 5 explanation and the October 16 memo.
They argued that the leadership question in Uhunmwode should not be treated as a personal contest between individuals but should be resolved in accordance with the party's constitution, recognised congress outcomes, and duly authorised decisions.
They also stressed that the people of Uhunmwode deserve clarity and respect for their political decisions.
The counter-reply stated that the executives would not accept the October 16 publication as a satisfactory or conclusive clarification until the apparent contradiction had been properly addressed.
They further rejected any attempt to rely on an alleged harmonisation arrangement that, according to their position, did not result from a genuine harmonisation process.
Despite their objections, the executives reaffirmed their commitment to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, stating that party loyalty should not prevent members from raising legitimate concerns about issues affecting the party's integrity and unity.
They maintained that speaking out against what they consider inconsistencies is necessary to protect internal democracy and strengthen confidence in the party's leadership.
The executives reiterated their position that the May 4, 2026, State Congress should remain central to determining the status quo in Uhunmwode LGA.