A significant rift has emerged within the Ondo State chapter of the Niger Delta Youth Movement (NDYM) as Comr. Emmanuel Balogun, a leading aspirant for the Chairman position of the group, has launched a blistering public attack on a recently conducted primary election, labeling the entire process “purported” and unconstitutional.
Comr. Balogun, seeking to lead the NDYM in the state, was unambiguous in his stance, asserting that he remains an active contestant in the race and has at no point withdrawn or stepped down for any rival aspirant, contrary to widespread speculation.
At the core of the dispute is the constitutional authority of the election’s conveners. Comr. Balogun stated clearly that the individuals responsible for organizing the alleged primary election lack the necessary constitutional mandate of the Niger Delta Youth Movement (NDYM) to conduct such a crucial electoral exercise for the office of the Chairman.
Balogun firmly declared that he has not abandoned his aspiration and issued a stern warning to those spreading false reports of his stepping down, demanding they desist immediately. “I wish to state unequivocally that those circulating rumors of my stepping down should desist immediately,” Balogun declared in his public statement, underscoring the seriousness of his grievance.
And I also want to urge our leaders to call Comr. Komolafe and Mr Ademuwagun to order, Ilaje constituency 2 should resist individuals trying to plung the constituency into leadership crisis
The controversy intensified with the aspirant’s categorical rejection of the reported outcome. Balogun specifically targeted the result that allegedly produced one Busayo Ebiniyi as the successful candidate from his political base, Mahin Ward 1 of Ilaje Local Government Area, claiming the process was designed to sideline him.
Comr. Balogun warned that he is prepared to pursue sweeping legal action against the organizers and the entire process. He explicitly referred to the exercise as a “kangaroo primary election” and insisted that those responsible for spreading what he termed false and damaging rumors face the risk of being included in the forthcoming litigation.
This development sets the stage for a potentially protracted legal and political battle within the Ondo State NDYM, raising profound questions about the future stability and legitimacy of the movement’s incoming leadership in the region.
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