WIKE-BACKED PDP FACTION HOLDS PARALLEL CONGRESS IN ONDO, UNVEILS EXCO

The lingering leadership crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) resurfaced in Ondo State on Tuesday as a faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, conducted a parallel congress and announced a new state executive committee.

The congress, held in Akure, produced Olaniyi Ogungbuji as factional chairman and Yagba Timilehin as state secretary. Other members of the executive were also selected during the exercise, which attracted the presence of officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission, security operatives from the Department of State Services and the police, alongside other observers.

Speaking at the event, the chairman of the congress committee, Adebiyi Abiodun-Philips, called for unity among party members, urging stakeholders to prioritise collective interests over personal ambitions. He maintained that reconciliation efforts within the party were ongoing at both national and regional levels, expressing optimism that internal disputes would be resolved.

He also noted that members who had defected to other political parties could still return, adding that the party remained open to reconciliation and rebuilding.

In his remarks, Mr Ogungbuji said the new executive was focused on repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. He emphasised the need for cohesion among members, describing unity as essential to strengthening the party’s structure and improving its electoral prospects in the state.

He further stated that the faction would work towards re-energising the party’s presence in Ondo State, expressing confidence that a renewed sense of direction would enhance its political relevance.

Meanwhile, the development was swiftly rejected by the Dupe Aisida-led state executive of the PDP, which dismissed the congress as illegitimate.

The state Publicity Secretary of the faction, Wande Ajayi, described the exercise as inconsequential, arguing that it did not follow the proper internal procedures of the party. He insisted that legitimate congresses had already been conducted through ward and local government structures, questioning the credibility of the delegates said to have participated in the parallel meeting.