By Andrew Haruna
The Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi State, Moses Peter Oricha, has reaffirmed his position as the authentic leader of the party, insisting that his tenure remains valid until April 2026 in accordance with the party’s constitution.
Addressing journalists in Lokoja on Friday, Oricha dismissed the purported SDP congress held in the state on Wednesday, describing those behind it as impostors with no recognition from the party or the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to him, the individuals claiming leadership positions within the party are not registered SDP members, as they never formally resigned from their previous political parties. He alleged that they were merely supporters of Muritala Ajaka, the SDP candidate in the 2023 governorship election, and not bona fide party members.
“To the best of my knowledge, only Muritala Ajaka and his running mate, Ranti Abenemi, officially defected from their parties—the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), respectively—to the SDP. The records are there for anyone to verify,” Oricha stated.
“As the custodian of the party’s records, I can confirm that their names are not in our membership register. The same register is with INEC, and their names are not listed as SDP members. They are simply impostors trying to be smart by half.”
He further advised those involved to follow due process if they wish to join the party rather than seeking shortcuts.
“If they want to be part of the SDP, they should go through the proper channel instead of trying to enter through the window. Only thieves enter a house through the window,” he remarked.
Oricha emphasized that he was duly elected as SDP chairman in Kogi State on April 9, 2022, and his tenure is for a four-year term, making him the rightful leader until 2026.
Providing a background on his political journey, he noted that he joined the SDP in 2014, serving as the party chairman in Ajaokuta Local Government Area and later as Chairman of the Chairmen’s Forum in Kogi Central Senatorial District.
He also listed the names of individuals from the disputed congress whom he claims have not formally resigned from their previous parties and are not recognized members of the SDP. The list includes:
- Ahmed Attah – Chairman
- Yusuf Agomi Ojapa – Deputy Chairman
- Alh. Idris A. Sofada – Secretary
- Emife Ronke Mercy – Women Leader
- Zakaria Ahmed Buhari – Youth Leader
- Barr. Dugbanya David – Legal Adviser
- Adutu Ojomebyo David – Organizing Secretary
As the controversy unfolds, party stakeholders and observers await further developments regarding the leadership crisis in Kogi SDP.