The Lagos State Executive Council of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has formally distanced itself from a purported State Congress allegedly conducted on Saturday by a faction of party elders in the state.The State PDP Chairman, Mr. Philip Aivoji, expressed this position at a news conference in Lagos, accompanied by other state executives. He described the congress, reportedly supervised by a group loyal to former PDP Deputy National Chairman Chief Olabode George, as an “invalid, illegal, and unconstitutional charade.”Aivoji clarified that the tenure of the current State Executive Council remains effective and is scheduled to expire in March 2026. He cited Section 25, Sub-section 1 of the party’s constitution, which mandates that the State Chairman shall preside over the State Congress. Since he was not involved, he declared the exercise a violation of the party’s guidelines.The chairman stated that the executive council had previously notified the National Executive Council (NEC) and the National Working Committee (NWC) after Lagos was erroneously listed for a congress. He claimed they received assurances that the state had been excluded from the exercise, making the event a surprise.Aivoji further alleged that due process was flouted, as no screening of aspirants was conducted, and nomination forms were improperly distributed without the involvement of the state executive. He warned that such actions risk further polarizing the party and could lead to loyal members departing.He urged party leaders to prioritize peace and unity, emphasizing that parallel congresses would only foster division and chaos, contrary to the party’s goal of strengthening its position in Nigeria.The news conference was attended by various PDP leaders, members of the state and local government executives, and other party members.