UI Professor Akinoso Emerges Oyo PDP Chairman

A professor from the University of Ibadan, Abdulrahman Akinoso, has been elected as the chairman of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State. The faction is known to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The election took place on Saturday during a party congress held in Ibadan, the state capital.

Akinoso, who works in the Department of Food Technology at the University of Ibadan, emerged alongside 38 other executive members of the faction during the congress. The event took place at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in the Oke Ado area of the city.

Other party officials elected during the congress include Abiola Olaonipekun as secretary, Latifah Latifu as women leader and A. Adeleke as youth leader. The exercise also produced other members of the executive committee who will handle different responsibilities within the party structure in the state.

The congress was attended by representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Nigeria Police and other security agencies. Several party members and stakeholders were also present to observe the process.

The election was conducted under the supervision of an electoral committee set up for the exercise. Members of the committee included Diran Odeyemi, who served as chairman, Tolulope Awoniyi, Babatunde Gbadamosi, Stepheine Oyechere, Yusuf Abidakun, Olumide Aguda and Phillips Adeniyi, who acted as secretary.

After his emergence as chairman, Akinoso addressed party members and called for unity within the organisation. He urged members to put aside internal disagreements and work together to strengthen the party in the state.

He also reminded members of the responsibilities of party executives, explaining that their duties include organising party activities, maintaining unity among members and preparing the party for electoral contests.

Akinoso said the new leadership would focus on preparations for the 2027 general elections in line with the timetable expected from the Independent National Electoral Commission. He noted that the party would soon begin electronic membership registration as directed by the national caretaker committee.

According to him, the success of any political party depends on its ability to win elections and remain relevant to its members. He therefore called on members to focus their efforts on promoting the party and building a strong structure that can compete effectively in future elections.

He also stated that the new leadership would carry out consultations and dialogue with stakeholders to move the party forward and strengthen its presence in Oyo State.