Ex-PDP spokesman emerges as NDC chairman in Ondo
Kennedy Peretie, a former spokesman for the crisis-hit Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, has emerged as Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) following the party’s state congress.
Kennedy Peretie, a former spokesman for the crisis-hit Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, has emerged as Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) following the party’s state congress.
The congress, held on Monday in Akure, was attended by 150 delegates drawn from the state's 18 local government areas and conducted under tight security.
Chairman of the NDC Congress Committee, Mr Emmanuel Alli, who announced the outcome, said the new executive committee, led by Peretie, was returned through a consensus ratification process.
Ali named Oluwole Akinmuyisan as Deputy Chairman and Babatunde Daudu as Secretary. He also noted that other members of the executive include Ayodeji Joy (State Woman Leader), Samuel Olutosin (Organising Secretary), Owolola Adebola (Publicity Secretary), Asiwaju Bernard (Vice Chairman, South), and Olutubosun Isijola (Vice Chairman, North), among others.
He said the exercise complied with directives from the party’s national headquarters and reflected the collective will of members across the state.
In his acceptance speech, Peretie claimed that no fewer than 10 million Nigerians registered with the party within 48 hours following the defection of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to the NDC.
He described the figure as evidence of growing public dissatisfaction and a strong appetite for political change, insisting the data was verifiable via the party’s website.
"NDC has registered about 10 million Nigerians in 48 hours. It is an expression of the frustration going on in the country. People want something different; people want something better than what they are experiencing now, and that is what will translate into votes in 2027," he said.
Peretie also assured party supporters that the Ondo chapter would provide robust opposition, noting that consensus among party stakeholders had shaped the congress and strengthened internal unity.
"We are already a strong opposition. Having concluded this congress peacefully, those in government know there is now trouble in the political arena. They will be held accountable to the people," he added.
Peretie also accused the federal government of attempting to stifle opposition voices, warning against any move to dominate Nigeria’s political space.
"Nigeria is too big to be put in anybody’s pocket,” he said, adding that the surge in party membership reflects citizens’ desire for a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.l elections.
