A professor in the Department of Food Technology at the University of Ibadan, Abdulrahman Akinoso, has emerged as chairman of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Akinoso was elected alongside 38 other executive members of the party during a congress held on Saturday.
Other officials elected at the congress include Abiola Olaonipekun as secretary, Latifah Latifu as women leader and A. Adeleke as youth leader.
The congress took place at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium and was attended by representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the police and other security agencies, as well as prominent members of the party.
The exercise was supervised by members of the electoral committee led by Diran Odeyemi as chairman, while Phillips Adeniyi served as secretary. Other committee members included Awoniyi Tolulope, Babatunde Gbadamosi, Stepheine Oyechere, Yusuf Abidakun and Olumide Aguda.
In his inaugural remarks, Akinoso urged members of the party to put aside internal disagreements and work towards strengthening the party ahead of future elections.
He stated that the responsibilities of party executives include coordinating party activities, promoting unity among members and working towards electoral victory during general elections.
Akinoso also said the newly elected executives would align with the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the 2027 general elections and participate fully in the electronic membership registration exercise directed by the party’s National Caretaker Committee.
He added that the party would embark on a membership drive and consultations aimed at strengthening the party’s structure and preparing it for future electoral contests.
This is good for the party.