The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday held a local government congress in Kwara State, with politicians describing it as peaceful and unprecedented.
The Guardian Newspaper, which monitored the exercise in some local governments, observed that while most local governments had consensus, full but peaceful elections were held in others.
In Ilorin West, only the youth leadership was contested. There, Abdulazeez Ogooluwa, believed to be the favourite of the PDP’s National Legal Adviser and former Attorney General of Kwara State, Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade (SAN), was trounced by a lowly rated grassroots candidate, Babamale Babatunde, by a wide margin.
It was in Ilorin West that a high standard for democracy was set. Out of the 240 total votes, Babamale polled 194 against Ogooluwa, also said to be the chairman AbdulKadir Issa’s favourite candidate, who scored 44, while two votes were voided.
The chairman of the party, Abdulquadri Issa, commented that the determination exhibited by the politicians, who had trooped out as early as 8:30 a.m. for the exercise scheduled for 10 o’clock, was a clear indication that “we are poised to reclaim power in 2027.”
Mooro and Edu local governments went into full chairmanship primaries, as did pockets of primaries in some other local governments monitored.
At Mooro local government, Hon. Abdulganiyu Musa said there was no visible crisis before, during, or after the chairmanship primaries.
“There was no problem at all, we are alright,” he added. “286 delegates came to decide the fate of 18 executives. At the end, we all danced to satisfaction,” he said.
In Ekiti local government, Mr. Felix Olusola, who described the exercise as “highly progressive and beautiful,” commended the electoral committee for the success of the outing, which he further described as “the family thing.”
He said, “Thank God that you are here to witness us. Before you leave, you may share with us your view of the exercise, at least to encourage us.”
He, however, commended the officials of the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their unbiased support.
At Oke-Ero, Honourable Owolabi James Rotimi hinted that the exercise was a mere charade to affirm popular consensus candidates already selected before Saturday.
“There’s no problem with us here in Oke-Ero. We are more united; that is why you can never see fights or quarrels among us.
“This is ‘fantabulous’; it is fantastically intimidating for other parties to copy. It has been on record that Oke-Ero is the most well-coordinated local government. I am not surprised that we have a serene atmosphere even during the exercise,” he stated.
At Irepodun local government, Oluwole Adeyeye expressed that the council congress went on well as scheduled.
Like others, he said: “What we are doing here today is an affirmation of our resolve to intimidate the All Progressives Congress (APC). We have successfully demonstrated that.”
Jide Mubashir, popularly called Jatto, said all eleven wards in Offa local government were represented in the new executive council with an officer.
“We are already celebrating our victory in 2027 because we have successfully surmounted our common challenge. We are now more united and determined than ever before,” he disclosed.
At Ifelodun local government, Zubair AbdulRazaq told newsmen that security threats in the area forced the gathering to Idofian.
“We conducted it by affirmations because all the new Excos are by consensus. All 18 wards are represented in the new executives,” he revealed.
The new youth leader for Osi-Ekiti local government PDP, Segun Ege, commended the Ladi Adebayo-led electoral committee for the peaceful outing.
Capping it all, the Kwara State PDP youth leader, Abdulmumin Mohammed, said: “We thank God there weren’t fights, not even arguments, throughout the exercise throughout the state PDP.”
He, however, observed that the new executives across the state were dominated by the youths. He commended the leadership of the party at the state level, noting especially the influence of the former Senate President, Dr. Olubukola Saraki, for this feat.
He said the former governor did well encouraging the youths into executive positions. He expressed hope that: “By the grace of God, the young executives will deliver. I am happy because PDP has allowed us youths, with this leverage, to take charge of our future.”
