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In 2023, the People’s Democratic Party is not having a tea party in Oyo State. For a genuinely-desperate political leader trying to position himself for 2023, the outcome of the congresses would put him in a position to bargain well. This probably gives reasons why the state Governor, Seyi Makinde purchased all forms for the forthcoming congress.

While the dice of those who become the party’s excos is still rolling, major stakeholders are concerned about sustaining the recent wins the party has been able to galvanise, after GovernorSeyiMakind’s election victory.

The party in recent times has maintained relative internal peace, except for some factional rancour. The party has benefited from the recent defections of top politicians in the State, including gladiators from the opposition party, All Progressives Congress.

However, the ruling party in Oyo State is currently at a crossroad. In barely a month away, the party’s congress is expected to take place, but the crisis rocking the Party and conflicting interests are hitting all camps hard.

If the congress is well orchestrated and properly managed, Oyo State may be a lost cause for the opposition All Progressives Congress and the Pacesetter State might return to the days of yore, when Oyo was a pro-PDP state.

The Congress partly determines if the State would be left at the continued mercy of PDP. So, in recent times major contenders for the available seats have engaged in rigorous but subtle campaigns for each office.

What is obvious, however, is that opposition to the second term bid of Governor Seyi Makinde is gaining traction, while it swells both within the party and outside the party everyday.

Nevertheless, the landscape at Oyo State’s PDP might certainly change as the political scene in the state, heads into a critical period in October. In the last few months, record have shown how many are jostling for recognition and as expected opposing every move of Seyi Makinde.

Some members of the Alhaji Omokunmi Mustapha led state party excos are facing heated battle every day and things are getting more interesting, seeing other aspirants eye the exalted seat of the Party Chairman. This may indeed be the premonition of things to come as the political scene continues to grow momentum.

Though gossips in town say Alh. Mustapha might not return as the Chairman of PDP in Oyo State, as plots to remove him during the next congress thickens, but in politics, rhythms change overnight.

Bearing any last minute change, the hitherto People’s Democratic Party (PDP) South West Zonal Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dayo Ogungbenro, may have been penciled down as the next Chairman of the State chapter of the Party.

Ogungbenro, an indigene of Otu, Itesiwaju Local Government, a sub-town in the Northern part of Oyo State, is currently a Full Time Member at the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board.

Ogungbenro’s choice is coming on the heels of the perceived passive role being played by the current Chairman of the party, Alh. Omokunmi Mustapha.

Another aspirant, who may have thrown in the towel is Afeez Jimoh from Irepodun, in Oke-Ogun area of the State.

Afeez Jimoh, popularly called Ona-Ara is the Chairman of the state’s Agriculture Credit Corporation in Oyo State.

Interestingly, each aspirant for the Chairmanship of the party is from the Oke-Ogun zone of Oyo State. This, may be a pointer to the party’s unanimous decision to zone the position to the Northern part of Oyo State.

While there is no doubt that the trio of Mustapha, Ogungbenro and Jimoh are serious contenders for the PDP State chairmanship, Hon. Ogungbenro appears to stand tall in the contest.

Apart from having the backing of his people, the Politician’s bid has also been endorsed by some king makers, including the powerful Advisory Council Chairman, Sen. Hosea Agboola, and others who are subtly rooting for him to assume the leadership of the party.

Be that as it may, pundits say that the task before the party intellectuals is ensuring that whoever emerges State chairman must have the wherewithal to retain votes in the coming election and lead the party into unprecedented victory in 2023.

Another twist to the leadership tussle is the Youth leader’s position of the party. The jostle for the Youth leader of the ruling party in Oyo State will also be an interesting watch as stakeholders intensify the lobby for their candidates.

The embattled Youth leader of the party, Asiwaju Adekola Adeoye, may not return.

About three months ago, youth leaders from the 33 Local Governments in the state passed Vote of no-confidence on him. The youth leaders distanced themselves from him.

They alleged that Adekola has been romancing the other faction of the party. Therefore, this leaves the tussle between Michael Ogunsina and Prince Falana Adebowale.

Ogunsina has learnt the ropes of Politics from his boss and Secretary of the party, Alh. Wasiu Adeleke.

While Prince Falana is Personal Assistant to the former Chief of Staff, Bisi Ilaka, who has declared his ambition in the 2023 Senatorial race.

Whoever clinches the youth leadership position must provide more leverage, opportunities and political considerations for the youths within the party.

As the 2023 general elections draw near, stakeholders are looking for characters that can deliver the polls for the party and as well chart courses and inroads into some zones in the State where the party is perceived weak.

 

Olamide Adeniji is a Public Relations Officer, Editor and Public Analyst. He equally Publishes oyonews.com.ng and Administer Oyo News Pages on all Social Media Platforms.

By oyonews

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