The newly elected South-West zonal executive of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed to secure more governorship victories across the region before the end of their current tenure.
Kamorudeen Ajisafe, who was re-elected as the zonal chairman, made this pledge during his acceptance speech following the election at Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall in Ibadan.
Currently, the South-West is governed by the PDP in Oyo and Osun, while the APC controls Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, and Ondo.
However, Ajisafe expressed optimism that under his leadership, the party would reclaim power in more states in the region.
“As a team, we are committed to serving with integrity and advancing the goals set by our leaders in the zone,” Ajisafe stated. “I assure you that more South-West states will have PDP governors before our tenure concludes.”
The election, which was supervised by representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), also saw the re-election of Muyiwa Obagunwa as the zonal secretary and the appointment of Bose Adedibu, the widow of the late Ibadan political figure Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, as the woman leader.
Other new officers elected include Adeyemo Adetunji (treasurer), Yaya Adeleke (financial secretary), Atofarati Olusanya (publicity secretary), and Bamidele Seyi Abiola (youth leader).
The event was attended by key figures including Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, and former member of the party’s Board of Trustees, Bode George, among others.
Governor Makinde highlighted the progress of the party in the region, noting how the South-West zone had become more unified since the divisive moments of four years ago.
“We were divided in the past, but now we are a united PDP family. This congress is just the beginning,” Makinde stated. “The South-West is setting an example of how democracy should function in Nigeria.”
Adeleke and George praised the organizers for their efforts, acknowledging that the election demonstrated the region’s unity and strength.
George, who referred to Makinde as a skilled mobilizer, announced that this congress would be his last but assured that he would remain a committed member of the PDP.
Udom Emmanuel, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and chairman of the Electoral Committee, also praised the conduct of delegates throughout the election.