The newly elected Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Mr. Abayomi Tella, has vowed to revitalize the party and prepare it for future victories.
Following his election at the PDP State Congress held in Abeokuta and supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Tella pledged to restore the party’s identity as a dominant force in the state’s political landscape.
Tella remarked, “Our party’s true identity is not that of opposition. Reclaiming our rightful place as the ruling party is inevitable and must happen in the next elections.”
Acknowledging the challenges the party has faced, Tella noted that the PDP has endured a series of internal conflicts, judicial interventions, and public criticism. However, he expressed optimism that the party is now on a path to healing and unity.
Reviving PDP’s Legacy
The new Chairman emphasized that his leadership will work tirelessly to rejuvenate, rebuild, and reposition the PDP for electoral success.
He reflected on the party’s past achievements, highlighting the party’s dominance in Ogun State during the 2003 and 2007 elections when it won all elective positions.
“It is on record that PDP is the most successful party in Ogun State, having achieved total victory in two successive national elections. We must be concerned that despite these historic wins, we are still referred to as the opposition. This must change,” he stressed.
Tella outlined the party’s future plans, focusing on not just electoral success but also on good governance. He cited PDP’s legacy of boosting economic prosperity, expanding education, and improving sports infrastructure during its time in power.
He attributed the current poverty in the state to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he said has eroded the gains made under PDP’s administration.
Tella called on members who have defected to the APC to return to the PDP fold, assuring them that the party is preparing for a strong comeback in 2027. He underscored the importance of unity and cooperation among members in achieving this goal.
“We need ourselves, and working together should not be difficult. The 2027 project is a priority for this newly elected executive, and it requires all hands on deck,” he declared.
Speaking on his administration’s approach, Tella promised to implement policies that will foster internal cohesion and unity within the party. His leadership aims to expand the PDP’s membership, strengthen grassroots mobilization, and promote transparency in governance.
In addition, Tella emphasized the importance of engaging with PDP’s Ward and Local Government Executives, encouraging them to hold regular meetings and promote the party’s image across the state. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the limited statutory positions within the party, but praised the internal mechanisms used to ensure reconciliation after the congress.
“We shall ensure that any wounds caused by the congresses are healed and that our party remains united,” he added.
Tella did not shy away from criticizing the APC government in Ogun State, accusing it of incompetence and mediocrity in governance. He pointed to infrastructural decay and rising poverty as evidence of the APC’s poor performance.
“The people of Ogun State do not deserve this level of mediocrity. Tremendous work awaits us when we eventually dislodge them from office in 2027,” Tella declared, expressing confidence in PDP’s ability to restore good governance in the state.
Tella also commented on the state of the nation’s electoral process, expressing disappointment over PDP’s recent defeat in Edo State, which he attributed to electoral malpractice.
He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure more transparent and credible elections in the future.
“We plead with the electoral body to genuinely uphold its independence and make voter registration more accessible,” he said, comparing the ease of obtaining an ATM card to the difficulty of securing a Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC).
“The world expects better from us, and the responsibility to meet this expectation rests heavily on INEC,” he concluded.
Tella expressed gratitude for the peaceful and inclusive conduct of the state congresses, crediting party leaders for ensuring a rancor-free process. He called on dissenting members to abandon legal battles and rejoin the party’s efforts to achieve unity.
“The era of judicial ambush is obsolete and gone forever,” Tella warned, urging party members to avoid actions that could undermine the PDP’s unity.
In his closing remarks, Tella emphasized the importance of discipline within the party and urged members to remain focused on the goal of reclaiming power in Ogun State.
“The responsibility to deliver the state starts today, and we are set to achieve this feat without fear,” he said, rallying his fellow party members to remain determined and purposeful in their duties.
