Ogun PDP crisis deepens as two groups hold parallel LG congress

The Ogun Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Saturday, held parallel local government congress across the 20 local government areas in the state.

It would be recalled that the party two weeks ago held parallel Ward Congress across the 236 wards in the State. 

Saturday’s parallel congresses were held at the same LG secretariats across the state.

This resulted in the party producing two sets of executives for all the 18 available positions in all the local governments.

While the congresses were held simultaneously in some local governments, others were held one after the other at the same venue, depending on which factions came first to the venue.

The governorship candidate of the party in the last general election,  Ladi Adebutu controls a faction of the Party, while the other faction is controlled by the trio of former governorship aspirant of the Party in 2023, Hon Jimi Lawal; Adebutu’s running mate in 2023, Hon Adekunle Akinlade; immediate past Chairman of the party in the State, Sikirullahi Ogundele, amongst others.

In Ijebu Ode Local Government Area, while the Lawal group produced Hon. Gbede Oluwasegun as party chairman, the Adebutu group has Mr. Kehinde Ajetunmobi as party chairman.

In Abeokuta South Local Government Area, while the Lawal group produced Hon. Adeyemi Surajudeen as party chairman, the Adebutu group has Mr. Sanusi Sakiru as party chairman.

In Yewa South Local Government Area, while the Lawal group produced Hon. Ogundare Samuel, the Adebutu group has Mr. Lateef Onifade as party chairman.

The foundation for the parallel congress was laid following the compilation of two separate party registers by the two groups earlier in the year during the registration exercise.

While the Adebutu group, according to a member of the Caretaker Committee, Afolabi Orekoya, kept their register within the ward party secretariat, the Lawal group took their register to the PDP headquarters in Abuja, for authentication.

Orekoya dismissed the action of the Lawal group, saying the constitution only required the register to be kept within the ward secretariat, endorsed by the ward Chairman and Secretary, and not to be taken to Abuja.

Lawal’s group register, it was further gathered, was released for the congresses committees for the congresses, while the Adebutu group relied on the registers kept at the wards secretariats for the congresses.   

Meanwhile, parallel congresses were peaceful across the State, as there were large turnout of registered members across the State.

The exercise was also monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC amidst tight security.

Speaking after the exercise, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee of Local government Congress, Mr. Tachio John alongside the State Chairman of the Caretaker committee, Mr. Dada Awoleye, said the exercise was peaceful and devoid of any parallel.

John said the party is on the right track, urging members of the party to stay united and work for the progress of the party.

He said “As you can see this Congress is peaceful, if we maintain peace like this, things will continue to be better. Let’s work together so that we can win together”.

Awoleye said the peaceful conduct of the Ward and LG congresses, indicated that the party is ready to take over power from the ruling All Progresses Congress (APC) in 2027.

He said “The Congresses show we are ready to take over power, it is sign of good things to come. I thank you party faithful for peaceful conduct. I am not disappointed with what I have seen”.