From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) has alerted security agencies to a plan by some members to form a parallel executive through an unauthorised National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday, May 22.
A faction, allegedly led by Deputy National President Adeolu Ogunbanjo, insists the national congress will proceed as planned.
Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo, Osun State, on Wednesday, May 21, NAPTAN’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Precious Ademola Ekundayo, condemned the move as unconstitutional.
He stated, “We reliably gathered that some elements within the association are planning to form a parallel group with the aim of electing a new set of executives, which is in contravention of the constitution of the association.”
He added, “We hereby condemn this move and declare that their mission is illegal and it’s dead on arrival, as such a move will not in any way promote the association.”
Ekundayo, flanked by National Legal Adviser Alhaji Jimoh Abiodun and National Welfare Officer Alhaji Sakariyau Eniola, clarified that the NEC did not authorise any election, nor is there a crisis warranting a parallel group. He noted that the current executives, led by National President Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, remain in office, with plans for a national congress in July 2025 to ensure a smooth transition in line with the association’s constitution.
He further stated, “These elements are making moves to form a parallel leadership as moves are currently being made to use some impostors who are non-members of the association to attend a purported NEC meeting which they plan to organise in Abuja on Thursday, 22nd May, 2025.” He also said, “I wish to reiterate that the tenure of the current executives of the association led by our indefatigable national president, Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, is still intact, and measures are being made to ensure a smooth transition of power at the appropriate time in line with the constitution of the association and in conformity with due process.” He urged security agencies to prevent any breakdown of law and order and declared the current Osun State NAPTAN executives as impostors, to be addressed by the national secretariat.
In contrast, Ogunbanjo, the alleged faction leader, insisted the congress would hold, claiming Danjuma has been president since 2005 and resisted calls for a congress, citing reasons like COVID-19 and insecurity.
He stated, “Danjuma has been there since 2005. He was asked to call a national congress, but he refused. There was a time we compelled him, but he said he couldn’t because of COVID-19; later, he gave the excuse of insecurity.” He added, “We told him if he failed to do the needful, we would call the national congress. He took over from late Baba Animashaun based on this same scenario.”
Ogunbanjo claimed that all members except Danjuma, Eniola, and Ekundayo were in Abuja for the congress, with the Minister of Education sending representatives.