Tensions escalated in Ogun State as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) conducted dual local government congresses across the state’s 20 local government areas today. This follows the party’s earlier parallel Ward Congress held on August 31, 2024.

The internal rift within the Ogun PDP has divided the faction led by 2023 governorship candidate Hon. Ladi Adebutu from the coalition led by Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal, 2023 deputy governorship candidate Hon. Abdulkadir Adekunle Akinlade, and former State Chairman Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele.

Reports suggest that in each local government area, two sets of executives were selected for the 18 available positions. Some key examples include:

– Ijebu Ode LGA: Hon. Gbede Oluwasegun (Lawal faction) and Mr Kehinde Ajetunmobi (Adebutu faction) as party chairmen. – Abeokuta South LGA: Hon. Adeyemi Surajudeen (Lawal faction) and Mr Sanusi Sakiru (Adebutu faction) as party chairmen. – Yewa South LGA: Hon. Ogundare Samuel (Lawal faction) and Mr Lateef Onifade (Adebutu faction) as party chairmen.

The dual congresses resulted from disputes over the use of authenticated registers provided by national PDP leadership for the Ward Congress, reportedly in favor of the Lawal faction.

The PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) mandates the use of authenticated registers for the Ward Congress, as stated in Section 8 (10).

The situation has triggered uncertainty within the Ogun PDP.