By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The crisis rocking the People’s Democratic Party Kosofe Chapter in Lagos has continued to deepen, following allegations of mismanagement of $127,000 intended for the just-concluded presidential and National Assembly election.
According to Kosofe Post, the trio of Kosofe Local Government LGA Chairman, Mr. Adeniyi Olabiran, former PDP State Woman Leader, Pastor Bisi Odunsi, and PDP Chieftain, Onita Coker, among others received the cash on behalf of Kosofe from Abuja.
However, when they got back to Kosofe, they counted $92,000,000 instead of $127,000,000 according to the template used in sharing the money, which has led to accusations and counter-accusations, the threat of life, and security agents’ involvement.
Kosofe PDP LGA Chairman, Mr. Adeniyi Olabiran, who took custody of the money, described the alleged mismanagement as a cheap political tool used by some people to tarnish his image and reputation. He said he took the Kosofe funds after signing for it without counting it due to an unsecured environment the money was shared with them.
However, he didn’t disclose the actual amount counted. He alleges that the PDP House of Representatives candidate and another group for good four hours brought thugs to attack him in an attempt to hijack the money and flee away.
Reacting to the accusations, Kosofe Federal Constituency PDP candidate, Hon. Florence DaCosta-Adepegba said she didn’t involve any thugs; they were all party members that came to the venue. Adding that she only got the amount earmarked for candidates and she doesn’t know anything about the missing money. She adds that those who took custody of the money are in a better position to answer.
Former Kosofe PDP LGA Chairman, Mr. Kunle Koya, denied the allegations of being the brain behind the series of blackmail and propaganda against the current LGA Chairman, Olabiran. He said it was an internal affair of the party, and they hope the party will resolve it.
The crisis has caused a lot of concern within the PDP in Kosofe and has attracted the attention of party leaders, who have called for calm and peaceful resolution of the issue. The PDP leaders have promised to investigate the matter and bring the culprits to book.