Segun Ayinde, Abeokuta
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, under the supervision of Kabiru Jauro, on Monday inaugurated its newly elected executives to lead the party’s affairs for the next three years.
This comes amid lingering factional disputes following parallel state congresses held over the weekend.
Abayomi Tella, loyal to former gubernatorial candidate Hon. Ladi Adebutu, emerged as the state chairman in one congress held at Abeokuta Sport Club. In a separate congress at New Gate Hall, Abeokuta, Sikirulai Ogundele, supported by former deputy candidate Abdulkabir Akinlade and 2023 governorship aspirant Jimi Lawal, was also elected state chairman.
Addressing journalists after receiving his certificate of return from the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Dada Awoleye, at the party’s secretariat, Tella dismissed claims of a faction within the PDP, insisting that any parallel congress not approved by the party’s National Headquarters in Abuja was null and void.
“For the benefit of doubt, in the face of the law that created the PDP and in compliance with that, a particular congress is legal, and every other one is nullity,” Tella stated.
He emphasized that the only valid congress was the one conducted under Kabiru Jauro’s supervision, which produced him as chairman.
Tella further noted that the newly inaugurated executive would work tirelessly to reposition the party and resolve internal disputes, including efforts to bring back aggrieved members who had defected to other political parties, such as the All Progressives Congress (APC). He urged unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Twins born the same day with the same umbilical cord have differences. Where there are interests, there will be differences. But managing those interests is key, and I believe we have started on that path. We are ready to meet with our people, even those in other parties, and bring them back to the PDP,” Tella added.
The leadership of the Ogun PDP remains contentious as both factions await further developments from the party’s national leadership.