The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Sikirulai Ogundele, speaks to OLUFEMI ADEDIRAN about the crisis within the party and the efforts to bring aggrieved former members, including former governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun, back to the party.
Why is the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State embarking on the registration of new members and revalidation of old members?
This is a sensitive time when party positions are contested, and new executives will emerge. The procedure involves showing intention, purchasing forms, undergoing screening, and then holding congresses. These congresses are elective, ensuring fairness and justice by zoning positions to various areas. This foundational process is crucial for the party’s success. We will conduct ward, local government, and state congresses before the national convention.
When I became chairman, I promised an inclusive administration, and we’ve made significant progress. We’ve brought back some members who left due to poor management of information. Political disagreements, if poorly managed, lead to breakaways, which we experienced. Misjudgments caused many to leave, contributing to our electoral losses since 2015. With the hardship Nigerians face, we aim for a successful outing in 2027.
Some members fear the upcoming congress may break up the PDP in the state. Do you agree?
We have 39 state-level positions, fairly distributed across senatorial districts to ensure equity. If our intentions are genuine, these positions will be fairly shared. We’ve taken measures to avoid a crisis and are convincing members to avoid conflicts. These are just party positions; unity is essential for the coming elections.
Today’s PDP reflects all party groups. We’ve called back members who left and convinced them to return. We’ve shared positions harmoniously, and many members have stepped down voluntarily for unity.
Are you making moves to bring back former leaders and other aggrieved members?
Yes, we started four years ago, and this effort is evident in our recent election results. We’re focusing on followers of former leaders, and many have joined us. For example, we got Adekunle Akinlade from Amosun’s camp and followers of Gbenga Daniel. We’re working on their principals and expect them to return soon.
The former deputy governorship candidate, Adekunle Akinlade, and others accused the party leadership of preventing their participation in membership registration. What’s your response?
Their grievances were promptly addressed. We took their complaints to the national level, resulting in an extension of the registration deadline by one month to accommodate them. Claims that Jimi Lawal, who registered in Ijebu, isn’t a member are baseless. The National Working Committee has intervened, extending the dates for our congresses, showing that the PDP listens to its members.
There’s concern that power tussles among factions may lead to a breakup. What’s your view?
Grouping is allowed in politics; it’s the essence of democracy. However, the party is under my leadership as chairman. Ladi Adebutu, our governorship candidate, lost the election, and the party must now focus on unity. Perceptions of the party being controlled by one person deter new members. I aim to run an independent PDP, free from individual control, encouraging people to join and participate freely.
Has the PDP learned from its mistakes?
We’ve learned, but achieving 100% success politically is impossible. There will always be good and bad elements in the party. While some push the party forward, others pull it back. This is normal in politics.
Recently, you blamed Ladi Adebutu for the party’s poor performance in the last election. Why?
Denying Gbenga Daniel the Senate ticket was a major mistake. Despite pleas from our presidential candidate and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, he was not included on the ballot. This decision cost us dearly, as Daniel’s presence would have boosted our performance across other districts. It was a highhanded decision that doomed our chances.
Is the party planning to zone its governorship ticket to Ogun West, the only zone yet to produce a governor?
Zoning is not constitutional but is used for fairness and equity. The PDP has supported Yewa candidates before, like late Gen. Adetunji Olurin and Gboyega Isiaka. It’s too early to determine the next candidate’s zone, but we will ensure the best candidate emerges.
What’s your assessment of the APC administrations at state and federal levels?
I refrain from judging. This is Tinubu’s and Dapo Abiodun’s time. Nigerians voted for them, and they are experiencing the consequences. Politics has become business-like, with votes sold for peanuts. Until Nigerians value their votes, we will continue to face such challenges.
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