A fresh crisis is brewing in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, as prominent chieftain Chief Olabode George has accused the party’s Deputy National Secretary, Hon. Setonji Koshoedo, of manipulating the distribution of nomination forms for the upcoming ward and local government congresses. In an open letter dated September 12, 2025, addressed to the PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum, and members of the National Working Committee (NWC), George warned of potential political upheaval if the alleged interference continues. The clash highlights ongoing power struggles within the party’s Lagos chapter, which has been struggling to recover from internal divisions that contributed to its poor performance in the 2023 general elections. George has even declared Koshoedo a “political persona non grata” in Lagos, urging the NWC to intervene before the situation escalates into court battles and further fragmentation.
This development comes at a critical time as the PDP prepares for its congresses, which are essential for electing ward and local government executives ahead of the 2027 elections. Lagos, as Nigeria’s most populous state and economic hub, is a key battleground for the opposition party, and any internal discord could weaken its position against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The letter has sparked widespread reactions, with loyal PDP members in Lagos expressing support for George while others call for unity to avoid repeating past mistakes.
Background of the Clash
The tension stems from the distribution of nomination forms for the PDP’s ward and local government congresses in Lagos State. According to George’s letter, Koshoedo, who is not actively involved in Lagos PDP activities—neither financially nor otherwise—took it upon himself to collect the forms from the national headquarters and decide their distribution without consulting state leaders. George, a former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the PDP and a respected elder statesman in the party’s Lagos chapter, accused Koshoedo of bypassing efforts by senior stakeholders, including two life members of the Board of Trustees (BoT), to build consensus across local governments.
George highlighted that Koshoedo’s aide, identified as Senyon, was personally involved in handing out the forms to selected individuals. He questioned the legitimacy of this process, asking, “Does Koshoedo’s position as a member of the NWC give him the right to appoint leaders at his whims and caprices in Lagos?” The elder statesman alleged that some forms were given to individuals who had defected to opposition parties like the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and were openly working against the PDP, while loyal members were sidelined.
This is not the first time internal wrangling has plagued the Lagos PDP. The chapter has a history of factionalism, with figures like George often clashing with other leaders over control and strategy. The party’s dismal showing in the 2023 elections—failing to win any significant seats in Lagos—has been attributed to such divisions, self-aggrandizement, and sabotage by some members. George warned that the current actions could lead to “mayhem, disturbance of public peace, and court actions,” echoing past crises that have weakened the party’s structure in the state.
Key Accusations Against Koshoedo
George’s letter paints a picture of deliberate manipulation aimed at personal gain. He claims Koshoedo is disregarding ongoing meetings by Lagos PDP leaders to foster unity and is instead “honouring those who have long left the party” to fuel his alleged 2027 governorship ambition in Lagos. The elder statesman questioned why forms were distributed to defectors while committed members, including BoT life members, were ignored.
Furthermore, George criticized the lack of transparency in the process, noting that Koshoedo’s unilateral decisions undermine the party’s recovery efforts. He emphasized that since 1999, some elements within the PDP have collaborated with opposition parties to sabotage the main opposition, and Koshoedo’s actions fit this pattern. In a strong rebuke, George declared Koshoedo a “political persona non grata” in Lagos, firing an “early warning shot” to prevent upheaval.
George appealed to the NWC to ensure a fair and transparent congress process, stating that Lagos PDP members are ready to purchase forms openly and equitably. He stressed that the party cannot afford another crisis, especially after the 2023 electoral debacle, which he described as the worst in the state’s PDP history.
Who Are Bode George and Setonji Koshoedo?
Chief Olabode George: A PDP Stalwart
Chief Olabode George, often referred to as Bode George, is a veteran PDP leader and former military administrator of Ondo State. He served as Deputy National Chairman (South) of the PDP from 2001 to 2004 and has been a key figure in the party’s Lagos chapter for decades. Known for his influence among party elders, George has been vocal against perceived injustices within the PDP. He has previously clashed with other leaders, including former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s allies, and has advocated for unity and anti-corruption measures. George’s open letters often carry weight, as he commands respect among loyalists and is seen as a defender of grassroots interests.
Hon. Setonji Koshoedo: The Accused NWC Member
Hon. Setonji Koshoedo is the current Deputy National Secretary of the PDP and a member of the National Working Committee (NWC). Based in Lagos, he has been involved in party administration at the national level. When contacted by journalists, Koshoedo declined to comment on the petition, stating only that he is committed to fulfilling his assignment from the PDP headquarters. Rumors suggest his actions may be linked to his rumored ambition to run for Lagos State Governor in 2027, though he has not confirmed this. As a NWC member, Koshoedo’s role includes overseeing administrative tasks like form distribution, but George’s letter questions whether this extends to overriding state leadership.
Reactions and Public Response
The open letter has elicited strong reactions within the PDP and beyond. Loyal PDP members in Lagos have rallied behind George, with social media posts praising his stand against “imposition” and calling for NWC intervention. Some stakeholders, including BoT members, have echoed concerns about the need for consensus-building to avoid repeating the 2023 election failures. Opposition figures from the APC have seized the opportunity to mock the PDP, labeling it a “house divided.”
On the other hand, supporters of Koshoedo argue that his role as Deputy National Secretary entitles him to handle such logistics, and the accusations may stem from personal rivalries. PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba has not yet issued an official response, but sources indicate the NWC is reviewing the matter ahead of the congresses.
Public discourse on platforms like X has been lively, with hashtags such as #LagosPDPCrisis trending. Analysts warn that if unresolved, this could lead to mass defections and further weaken the PDP’s chances in Lagos, where it has struggled to challenge the APC’s dominance.
Potential Impact on PDP and Future Outlook
This clash could have far-reaching implications for the PDP in Lagos, a state crucial for national politics due to its voter base and economic influence. The congresses are pivotal for restructuring the party’s leadership at the grassroots level, and any perceived manipulation could disenfranchise members, leading to boycotts or legal challenges. George has vowed that loyalists are prepared to pay for forms if distributed fairly, signaling readiness for confrontation.
For the national PDP, under Acting Chairman Damagum, this serves as a test of its ability to manage internal conflicts. The party is still healing from post-2023 divisions, and a Lagos implosion could embolden rivals ahead of 2027. Experts suggest mediation by BoT elders to foster reconciliation, but with ambitions like Koshoedo’s alleged gubernatorial bid in play, tensions may persist.
In the short term, the NWC is expected to respond to George’s petition, possibly by clarifying the form distribution process or appointing a neutral committee. Long-term, this could prompt reforms in how national executives interact with state chapters to prevent overreach.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for PDP Unity
The clash between Bode George and Setonji Koshoedo represents a fresh crisis that threatens to destabilize the PDP in Lagos at a vulnerable time. George’s accusations of manipulation and sidelining of leaders underscore deep-seated issues of power, ambition, and transparency within the party. As the NWC weighs in, the resolution will be crucial for rebuilding trust and positioning the PDP for future electoral success. With the 2027 elections on the horizon, Lagos PDP members hope for swift intervention to avoid another chapter of discord. The party’s ability to unite will determine whether this is a minor skirmish or the start of a larger unraveling.