The Ogun State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed its preparedness to participate in the upcoming local government elections scheduled for November 2024.
The Caretaker Secretary of the party, Barr. Paul Oladipo Ogunnubi, announced this on Wednesday at the party secretariat during a stakeholders’ meeting with party leaders.
Ogunnubi stated that the party had finalized plans to ensure its candidates achieve success in the council polls.
He mentioned that the chairmanship aspirants of the party are required to pay a sum of four hundred thousand naira (N400,000), while the female chairmanship aspirants will pay N300,000.
The party scribe clarified that the N400,000 includes N250,000 as an administrative fee for OGSIEC, N100,000 as a nomination fee, and N50,000 for the expression of interest form.
Ogunnubi further noted that all female aspirants for both chairmanship and councillorship are exempted from paying the nomination fee.
He announced that the party has set a timetable for the ward, local government, and state congresses.
These congresses, intended to bring in new executives at various levels of party leadership, are part of the preparations for the forthcoming local government elections.
Revealing the timetable, Ogunnubi stated that, subject to any changes, the Ward Congress will take place on August 31st, while the local government and state congresses are scheduled for September 7th and 14th, 2024, respectively.
Additionally, the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Hon. Dada Awoleye, in his remarks, noted that the party, having reconciled all aggrieved members, is now focused on challenging the ruling APC at the grassroots level.
Awoleye emphasized that with the approval of the national secretariat, the congresses that will install new leadership in the state will proceed smoothly.
“The caretaker committee of PDP in Ogun state decided to call this stakeholders’ meeting to engage all members of PDP and assess the state of the party’s affairs.
“From today’s interactions, we found that the issues are not major, mostly revolving around some members not being able to register, which the national body has directed us to resolve.
“We have successfully addressed this because our constitution allows for periodic registration, and part of our duties includes overseeing congresses at all levels—from the ward to the local government and the state. We are tasked with managing the day-to-day operations of the party.
“PDP is a large family, and our responsibility is to unite everyone under a single umbrella.
“We are pleased that members have committed to working together for the party’s progress.
“Key stakeholders have been consulted, and all significant issues have been resolved. The primary concern was inclusivity, with some members feeling excluded from party affairs. However, the previous Exco made significant efforts to unify everyone.
“Yes, I can tell you that, judging by the current situation in Ogun state, people are eager for PDP to return to power, whether at the local government or state level. This upcoming election will serve as a crucial test.
“If the APC conducts free, fair, and transparent elections in Ogun state, PDP is poised to win. If OGSIEC also ensures free and fair elections, PDP is likely to secure victories in many local governments and wards.”
