Ekiti PDP Crisis Deepens as Rival Factions Hold Parallel Congresses

The crisis in the Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened as factions loyal to former Governor Ayodele Fayose and Senator Biodun Olujimi held parallel congresses to elect separate State Working Committees.

The PDP National Working Committee had earlier appointed a seven-member caretaker committee led by former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Hosea Agboola, to manage the party’s affairs in the state.

At the rival congresses, former Commissioner for Environment Bisi Kolawole emerged chairman from the Fayose faction, while former House of Representatives member Kehinde Odebunmi was elected by the Olujimi group.

The Fayose camp held its congress at Petim Guest House in Ado-Ekiti, with former Governor Segun Oni in attendance, while the Olujimi faction met at Lotus Guest House.

Fayose urged members to remain loyal and disciplined, insisting that there was no serious division in the party and expressing confidence that the PDP could reclaim Ekiti in the 2022 governorship election.

He also called on aggrieved members to return and work with the party leadership, stressing the need for respect for established leaders.

Odebunmi, however, described his emergence as the beginning of a new era for the party and accused the Fayose camp of attempting to impose candidates and control party structures.

He promised to promote internal democracy and reconciliation ahead of the next governorship election.

Odebunmi also questioned the legitimacy of the Fayose-backed congress and said the courts might eventually determine which faction was authentic.

Kolawole, on his part, pledged to strengthen discipline, reconcile members where possible and reposition the PDP to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The parallel congresses further exposed the depth of the leadership struggle within the Ekiti PDP and raised the possibility of further political and legal disputes.