The newly elected executives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State have been inaugurated by the Caretaker Committee to oversee the party’s affairs for the next three years.
The inauguration, held at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta on Monday, was led by the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dada Awoleye.
During the event, Awoleye urged the new executive members to work diligently to ensure the party’s success in future elections.
He emphasized the importance of unity within the party, noting that reconciliation among aggrieved members was crucial for electoral victory.
“The success of this party is directly tied to its unity,” Awoleye said, calling on the new leadership to engage in efforts that will heal internal rifts and bring all members together for a common goal.
Awoleye also presented a certificate of return to the new PDP Chairman in Ogun State, Hon. Abayomi Tella, who was elected during the state congress held in September under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In his acceptance speech, Tella vowed to lead a unified party that would be reinvigorated for future elections.
He expressed confidence that the PDP would emerge stronger and more united under his leadership.
“PDP will come out united, rejuvenated, and strong with a unified front for the upcoming elections,” Tella said.
He added that his leadership would not stray from the party’s manifesto and promised that his blueprint would align with the party’s vision.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Tella called on the newly inaugurated executives to be prepared for the difficult tasks facing them.
“There’s a task ahead of us, and that’s the truth,” he stated, emphasizing the need for the team to be proactive.
Tella refuted claims of factionalism within the Ogun PDP, dismissing reports of divisions within the party as media fabrications.
He maintained that the party remained united despite external perceptions to the contrary.
“There is no faction in Ogun PDP as being reported in the media. We are one and indivisible,” he said.
Tella also pledged that his leadership would not tolerate election rigging, which he claimed had deprived the PDP of victory in the last polls.
“We will not allow a repeat of what happened in the last election when the ruling party rigged us out of victory,” he vowed.
He extended an olive branch to former members of the PDP, some of whom he said were suffering in rival parties.
Tella urged them to return to the fold, reminding them of the party’s significant role in their political careers.
“We built this party together, so come back,” Tella said, addressing former members.
He highlighted that Ogun State’s past three governors—Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and the current governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun—were once PDP members.
“It may surprise you to know that the past three governors of Ogun State were all members of the PDP.
“They may have left, but they are still following the PDP blueprint,” he remarked.