Don emerges Oyo PDP factional chair
An academic from the Department of Food Technology at the University of Ibadan, Prof. Abdulrahman Akinoso, has emerged as the chairman of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),
An academic from the Department of Food Technology at the University of Ibadan, Prof. Abdulrahman Akinoso, has emerged as the chairman of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
He was elected during a congress held at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke Ado, Ibadan at the weekend.
In all, 38 other executive members emerged to steer the affairs of the faction of PDP in the state.
The congress attracted party stakeholders and was attended by representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police and other security agencies.
Other officers elected at the congress include Dr. Abiola Olaonipekun (Secretary), Alhaja Latifah Latifu (Woman Leader) and Mr A. Adeleke (Youth Leader).
The election was supervised by an electoral committee chaired by Prince Diran Odeyemi.
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Other members of the committee were Awoniyi Tolulope, Mr Babatunde Gbadamosi, Queen Stepheine Oyechere, Alhaji Yusuf Abidakun and Mr Olumide Aguda, while Dr Phillips Adeniyi served as secretary.
The congress held amid heavy security presence started around 12:3pm and was rounded off in less than three hours, as all the executive members emerged through affirmation.
Although, there was tension at the venue, as suspected political thugs in about 100 buses were seen occupying the buses parked outside the venue of the congress, no trouble was fomented, as combined security operatives from the Department of State Service (DSS), Police and others were on hand to provide protection.
Akinoso’s emergence, as gathered, revealed the lingering divisions within the PDP in Oyo State, where competing tendencies have continued to shape the party’s internal structure.
The Nation reports that the formation of parallel factions loyal to different national power blocs reflects broader struggles within the party since the aftermath of the 2023 elections.
In his inaugural remarks, Akinoso made it clear that the faction’s immediate focus is the 2027 general election.
He urged party members to set aside internal differences and concentrate on strengthening the party through unity and membership mobilisation.
He emphasised the importance of the party’s upcoming e-membership registration exercise, which is expected to expand the PDP’s grassroots base across the state.
He noted that unity among members was essential for the growth and electoral success of the party, stressing that the immediate task of the new leadership was to mobilise members and reposition the party for the 2027 general election.
According to him, party executives must focus on coordinating party activities, promoting harmony among members and ensuring victory at the polls.
He said: “Our immediate assignment is to key into the timetable for the 2027 general election as released by INEC. As directed by the National Caretaker Committee of the party, our e-membership registration will begin next week, and we must fully participate in the membership drive.”
Akinoso says a political party remains relevant only when it wins elections, urging members to prioritise collective interest over internal disagreements.
“We must set aside intra-party differences and concentrate our resources on promoting the party. Through consultations and dialogue, we will work together to achieve victory in future elections,” he added.
The Nation recalls that it was a messy situation a week earlier when, during the local government congress, persons suspected to be political thugs attacked members at some of the venues of the congress.
The home of a former deputy governor of the state, Hazeem Gbolarumi, was not spared, with property worth N250million destroyed.
