The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State on Tuesday elected a new set of state executive members during a congress held in Akure, with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security operatives present to monitor the exercise.
The congress, which was attended by party stakeholders from across the state, produced Olaniyi Ogungbuji as State Chairman to lead the party for the next four years.
Other officers elected include Akinwamide Adedeji as Deputy Chairman, Yagba Timilehin as State Secretary, Alake Joseph Olumuyiwa as Treasurer, Barrister Clement Adefemi as Legal Adviser, Akintemi Akinduyite as Financial Secretary, and Sadiq Fatai as Publicity Secretary, alongside 32 other executive members.
Officials of INEC, led by the Ondo State Executive Secretary, Adenike Tadese, were present at the venue of the congress to observe the exercise, while personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police provided security to ensure a peaceful process.
Speaking at the congress, Chairman of the Congress Committee for the wards, local governments and state exercise, Adebiyi Abiodun-Philips, described the election as a step toward repositioning the party and strengthening unity among members.
He said the presence of INEC and security agencies showed that the process was conducted in line with laid-down procedures.
“This is a time for us to come together as one family and work for the interest of the party. What we have done today shows that the PDP is ready to move forward in unity,” he said.
Abiodun-Philips also called on aggrieved members to return to the party, noting that reconciliation efforts were ongoing at both the state and national levels.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected chairman, Olaniyi Ogungbuji, said the immediate task before the new executive was to rebuild the party’s structure and prepare for future elections.
According to him, unity among members and effective mobilisation at the grassroots would be key to the party’s success in the state.
“We are determined to reposition the PDP and give it a new direction. With unity and commitment from members, the party will regain its strength in Ondo State,” Ogungbuji said.
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