•As Ogungbenro emerges chairman
The governor of Oyo State and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Saturday, October 26, 2021, made a declaration that his party has the capacity to unite Nigeria, with the way it was able to organise itself and unite for the state congress.
The governor, who stated this at the congress held at the open court of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, said that if given the opportunity to govern Nigeria in 2023, the PDP would end the divisive tendencies in the nation and place it on the path of unity and oneness.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the governor equally called on all members of the party to rally round the new state executive to better reposition the party.
At the congress, where Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro was elected as the state chairman, with Hon. Wasiu Adeleke returned as state secretary, among other positions, Governor Makinde maintained that the party remained open to accommodating everyone aggrieved.
He said: “Today is very symbolic. I congratulate the executive that we have just elected today. It is historical because this is the first time that we are coming for an elective congress and the situation is carnival-like.
“Now, I am sensing the same thing for our National Convention. They should watch out, PDP will unite Nigeria.”
He also admonished aggrieved party members to integrate with the party, promising that they would be accommodated.
He said : “Today, we don’t have much to say. The only thing I will say is that those who said they are aggrieved can see what has happened here today.
“PDP belongs to all of us. They must come back and get integrated into the fold and we will accommodate them.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Oyo State PDP Congress Committee and Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, commended Makinde for his sterling leadership, which, according to him, had ensured the sustainability of PDP in the state.
Ugwu anti stated: “I salute the sterling leadership of my brother and friend in Oyo State, Governor Makinde, who has engendered the manifestaton of parity in one fellowship and sustainability of PDP in the state.
“I respectfully acknowledge all the executive leaders of the party here. Your contributions and sacrifices are highly appreciated. I also appreciate the support and solidarity of our teeming supporters.
“My team and I are in Oyo State at the behest of the National Working Committee of our party to conduct the party Congress. And I am assuring you of a very transparent, free and fair process.”
The new state PDP Chairman, Ogungbenro, in his speech, also lauded Governor Makinde, stating that the new State Working Committee would work hard to make the party the darling of the entire state.
