The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Congress held in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State on Saturday produced a new set of leaders for the state chapter, with Hon. Lanre Omolase emerging as chairman.
The exercise marked a significant moment for the party as members gathered to elect officials who will oversee its activities and attempt to rebuild its influence in the state’s political landscape.
Omolase, widely regarded as a loyal associate of former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, secured the chairmanship position during the congress attended by delegates from across the state’s local government areas.
Party members expressed hope that the outcome of the Ekiti PDP Congress would help stabilise the party and provide a clearer direction for its future.
The congress was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as security agencies who supervised proceedings to ensure transparency and order.
At the end of the exercise, a full State Working Committee was constituted to manage party affairs and strengthen grassroots mobilisation.
Among those elected was Chief Tunde Ogunleye, a former commissioner in Ekiti State, who emerged as the party’s state secretary.
Other positions filled during the Ekiti PDP Congress included Babatunde Akande as Deputy Chairman, Femi Philips as Publicity Secretary and Lawrence Odunayo as Organising Secretary.
The congress also produced Olugbenga Agbede as Legal Adviser, while Mrs. Ayodele Oluwatoyin Bosede was chosen as Women Leader.
Banji Femi emerged as Youth Leader, with Gani Bakare elected Financial Secretary. Anike Folasade will serve as Treasurer, and Ajayi Joseph was elected as Auditor.
In addition to the central executive positions, the party also selected senatorial chairmen for the three districts in the state.
Sunday Olowolafe was elected to represent Ekiti South, Adeniyi Adefemi emerged for Ekiti Central, while Segun Olatunji will coordinate party activities in Ekiti North.
Party leaders who addressed delegates at the gathering acknowledged that the organisation has faced challenges in recent years, including internal disagreements and electoral setbacks.
However, they maintained that the Ekiti PDP Congress represents an important step toward restoring stability and unity within the party.
Speaking during the event, Bisi Kolawole, a member of the PDP National Caretaker Working Committee and the party’s governorship candidate during the 2022 Ekiti State gubernatorial election, said the leadership was committed to rebuilding trust among members.
Kolawole admitted that internal disputes had weakened the party’s structure in the state but emphasised that consultations were ongoing among leaders and stakeholders nationwide.
According to him, these discussions are aimed at restoring harmony, strengthening democratic processes within the party and ensuring that members feel adequately represented.
He urged the newly elected executives to approach their responsibilities with dedication and loyalty, stressing that unity and discipline would be essential if the PDP hopes to regain political relevance in Ekiti State.
Kolawole further encouraged members to remain steadfast and continue supporting the party despite past challenges.
He said a stronger organisational structure would enable the party to compete effectively in future elections and reconnect with voters across the state.
In his acceptance speech, Omolase thanked party members for the confidence placed in him and pledged to provide inclusive leadership.
He noted that his priority would be to rebuild trust among members and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders within the party.
According to him, the new executive committee will focus on revitalising the party at the grassroots level and ensuring that its structures are active in all local government areas.
He emphasised that collective effort would be required to reposition the party and restore its reputation as a formidable political platform in Ekiti State.
Omolase also called on party faithful to set aside past disagreements and work together for the greater good of the organisation.
He assured members that his leadership would be guided by integrity and a sense of responsibility to both the party and the people it seeks to serve.
With the conclusion of the Ekiti PDP Congress, party leaders expressed optimism that the newly elected officials would help usher in a new phase of unity and strategic planning for the PDP in Ekiti.
Observers believe that how effectively the leadership manages reconciliation and mobilisation efforts in the coming months will determine the party’s ability to regain momentum in the state’s competitive political environment.
Ireport247news
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