The factional crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State reached a definitive milestone on Saturday as Professor Abdulrahman Akinoso, a distinguished academic from the University of Ibadan, was elected Chairman of the group loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike.
The election, conducted during a state congress at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Oke Ado, Ibadan, saw Professor Akinoso, of the Department of Food Technology, emerge alongside 38 other executive members. The exercise represents a significant consolidation of the Wike-aligned structure in the state amidst the broader leadership dispute currently rocking Nigeria’s primary opposition party.
In addition to the University don, the congress produced a diverse team of officials tasked with steering the faction’s affairs. Key appointments include:
Dr Abiola Olaonipekun, who assumed the role of State Secretary, Alhaja Latifah Latifu, elected as the State Women Leader, and Mr A. Adeleke, who emerged as the State Youth Leader.
The congress was conducted under the observation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant security agencies. The electoral proceedings were supervised by a committee chaired by Prince Diran Odeyemi, with Dr Phillips Adeniyi serving as Secretary. Other committee members included Hon. Awoniyi Tolulope, Mr Babatunde Gbadamosi, Queen Stepheine Oyechere, Alhaji Yusuf Abidakun, and Mr Olumide Aguda.
In his inaugural address, Professor Akinoso adopted a conciliatory yet strategic tone, urging party faithful to transcend internal animosities in pursuit of electoral success. He emphasised that the legitimacy of a political party is fundamentally tied to its ability to win mandates and benefit its members.
“The primary responsibilities of party executive members are to coordinate activities, ensure harmony, and guarantee victory during general elections,” the Chairman stated. “We should set aside intra-party differences and concentrate our resources toward the promotion of the party.”
Outlining the faction’s immediate priorities, Professor Akinoso highlighted the necessity of preparing for the next electoral cycle. He directed members to align with the 2027 general election timetables recently released by INEC and announced that the party’s electronic membership registration as mandated by the National Caretaker Committee would commence next week.
“We must be fully involved and conduct a robust membership drive,” Akinoso added. “We will make necessary consultations and engage in dialogue to actualise our goals.”
The emergence of the Akinoso-led executive highlights the deepening rift between the national structure and regional factions in the PDP. This latest development in Oyo State underscores the continuing influence of the FCT Minister, Mr Wike, whose “G-5” alliance and subsequent ministerial role in the APC-led federal government have created parallel power centres within the opposition party.
As the Professor takes the helm, political observers will be watching closely to see how his academic background and calls for dialogue will influence the faction’s standing against the rival state structure supported by the incumbent Governor, Seyi Makinde.
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