PDP faction picks Doherty as South-West zonal chairman

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee on Thursday elected Mr Adedeji Doherty as the party’s South-West Zonal Chairman.

Doherty, a former Lagos PDP chairman, emerged through a consensus arrangement alongside 16 other executives during the South-West Zonal Congress held in Ikeja, Lagos.

The Chairman of the Congress Committee, Mr Olalekan Rotimi, confirmed that delegates from all South-West states were duly accredited to take part in the exercise.

Following the presentation of the consensus list and a voice vote by delegates, Rotimi formally affirmed the election of the new executives, who are expected to oversee the party’s activities in the zone for the next four years.

He listed other executives as Oluwole Omotaye (Secretary), Clement Adefemi (Organising Secretary), and Obe Gbolaro (Treasurer).

Others are Oluwakayode Gbadamosi (Financial Secretary), Akin Oyeniyi (Publicity Secretary), and Oyeniyi Akinloye (Youth Leader).

Also elected were Folake Marcus-Bello (Woman Leader), Wale Ogunmodede (Auditor), and David Adedamola (Legal Adviser).

Ex-officio members include Adeyoola Adeleke (Osun), Bankole Olalekan (Oyo), Nurudeen Akande (Lagos), Gbenga Fianusi (Ondo), Oyetunji Opakunle (Ogun), and Omotosin Okeya (Ekiti).

Rotimi described the process as a family affair, saying leaders agreed on consensus for the party’s stability.

He said: “Today, we can sit together as a family. This PDP is ours to protect.

“In line with the Electoral Act and party guidelines, the exercise is by consensus as agreed.

“This represents everyone’s decision and will be reported to the national leadership.

“All positions were mutually zoned. These leaders will guide the party in the zone for four years.”

In his acceptance speech, Doherty thanked delegates and leaders for their loyalty during challenging times.

“Those here truly love the PDP. Staying now shows genuine commitment, not personal gain.

“Before us is a big responsibility and we accept to serve with all our strength,” he said.

He praised Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, for his contributions and said the team would tour South-West states to strengthen the party.

“We will mobilise people into the PDP. The party has the strength to reclaim its position nationally.

“Let us support PDP in this zone and stand together to promote the party,” Doherty said.

Marcus-Bello pledged to mobilise more women and expand the party’s reach across the South-West.

“We will bring in more women and encourage them to seek elective offices,” she said.

The event drew PDP chieftains, including former Oyo Deputy Governor, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, and zonal party chairmen loyal to the Wike-led faction.

The faction, also linked to Dr Kabiru Turaki, has inaugurated executives at zonal, state, local and ward levels.

It is led by Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed as National Chairman, with Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary.

Meanwhile, talks continue on reconciling PDP factions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

(NAN)

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