Fresh controversy has emerged within Lions Clubs International District 404 A4 following allegations of irregularities and interference in the submission of delegate lists ahead of the district elections.
Concerns were raised by members and observers who accused some officials within the district leadership of attempting to manipulate the delegate nomination process by allegedly pressuring club presidents to alter already submitted delegate forms.
According to accounts gathered by journalists, the Electoral Committee had earlier directed that all delegate lists must be officially submitted through the email addresses of club presidents, with forms jointly signed by both club presidents and club secretaries.
Sources explained that under the approved procedure, each Lions Club is expected to nominate delegates through a formal process endorsed by the club leadership before forwarding the final list to the Electoral Committee.
However, tension reportedly began after some club presidents allegedly came under pressure to withdraw or modify delegate lists that had already been officially submitted.
It was alleged that in cases where some presidents resisted attempts to change the lists, certain individuals linked to the district leadership allegedly approached other club members or board officials to submit alternative delegate lists.
The situation has reportedly created confusion and disagreement within parts of District 404 A4, particularly as preparations continue for the district elections.
Observers identified two specific cases currently generating concern within the district.
The first involved the Warri Oil City Lions Club, where the delegate form was reportedly signed by both the club president and secretary before being submitted through the president’s official email address in line with Electoral Committee guidelines.
Despite this, concerns were raised after claims emerged that attempts were made to alter the delegate names that had already been submitted and acknowledged.
Another case reportedly involved the Warri Integrity Lions Club, where a delegate form jointly signed by the club president and secretary was also said to have been properly forwarded through the president’s email.
Sources alleged that pressure was later mounted on the club leadership to submit a different delegate list.
According to the allegations, a second form later surfaced with irregularities, including claims that the original president’s signature was removed while another version was submitted using a different email arrangement.
It was further claimed that the president involved in the matter could not be reached at some point during the controversy, while questions were also raised over the authenticity of signatures appearing on the later submission.
Observers insisted that under the approved election procedure, delegate forms are expected to carry the joint endorsement of both the club president and secretary before submission to the Electoral Committee.
The controversy has continued to generate debate among members, with some calling for transparency and strict adherence to the established electoral guidelines to avoid further disputes within the district.
As of the time of filing this report, those raising the concerns said investigations and internal consultations were ongoing to determine whether similar incidents may have occurred in other clubs within District 404 A4.
