OGUN STATE: Toba Owojaiye reporting
The crisis within the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened on Saturday as two rival factions each elected their own State Chairman and other state executive members.
The issue is escalating tensions within the party.
Truth Live News gathered that One faction, loyal to the PDP’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, held a congress at the Abeokuta Sports Club, where Abayomi Tella was chosen as the State Chairman.
Meanwhile, a coalition led by governorship aspirant Chief Jimi Adebisi Lawal, along with the Deputy Governorship candidate, Hon. Abdulkadir Adekunle Akinlade, and former State Chairman, Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele, held a separate congress at NeuGate Exclusive Hall in Abeokuta, electing Ogundele to return as State Chairman.
In addition, the Adebutu faction selected Sunday Solarin as State Secretary, while the Lawal-led group appointed Alhaji Salisu Abdulwaheed Oloruntola for the same role.
Both Ogundele and Solarin, who previously served as State Chairman and Secretary, are now on opposing sides.
The divisions extend across all 36 executive positions. The Lawal faction named Austin Oniyokor as Publicity Secretary, while Adebutu’s group elected architect Adebayo Kayode for the same role.
This development stems from disputes over the PDP’s recent Ward and Local Government Congresses, which were held on August 31 and September 14, 2024, and produced parallel leadership structures across Ogun State’s 236 wards and 20 local governments.
Both factions accuse each other of failing to follow due process, particularly in relation to the use of authenticated membership registers, a key factor in the current conflict.
The matter is now before the Federal High Court in Abeokuta, with hearings scheduled for October 15, 2024.
The court has warned both factions against taking any actions that could undermine the ongoing judicial process, urging them to respect legal proceedings before any further steps are taken regarding the legitimacy of the congresses and the newly elected executives.