Wike-backed PDP faction elects UI don Akinoso as Oyo chairman

2026-03-15 - 17:07

By Adeola Badru A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has elected Professor Abdulrahman Akinoso of the Department of Food Technology at the University of Ibadan as its state chairman. Akinoso emerged as chairman during the faction’s State Congress held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Oke Ado, Ibadan, at the weekend. The congress, which had representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission in attendance, also produced 38 other members of the State Executive Council of the party. Among the elected officers are Dr. Abiola Olaonipekun as Secretary, Alhaja Latifah Latifu as Woman Leader and Mr. A. Adeleke as Youth Leader. Members of the congress committee included Hon. Awoniyi Tolulope, Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi, Queen Stepheine Oyechere, Alhaji Yusuf Abidakun and Mr. Olumide Aguda, while Dr. Phillips Adeniyi served as secretary. The congress, which was held amid heavy security presence, commenced at about 12:30 p.m. and concluded in less than three hours, with all executive members emerging through affirmation. In his inaugural remarks, Akinoso said the immediate focus of the party was the 2027 general elections. He urged members to set aside internal differences and work towards strengthening the party through unity and membership mobilisation. The don also highlighted the significance of the party’s forthcoming e-membership registration exercise, noting that it would help expand the PDP’s grassroots base across the state. According to him, unity among members is essential for the growth and electoral success of the party. “Our immediate assignment is to key into the timetable for the 2027 general elections as released by the Independent National Electoral Commission. As directed by the National Caretaker Committee of the party, our e-membership registration will commence next week, and we must fully participate in the membership drive,” he said. Akinoso added that a political party remains relevant only when it wins elections, urging members to place collective interest above internal disagreements. “We must set aside intra-party differences and concentrate our resources on promoting the party. Through consultations and dialogue, we will work together to achieve victory in future elections,” he added.