The Peoples Democratic Party in the South-West has charged all state chapters in the zone to take a cue from the ongoing reconciliatory process by the party’s national leadership and reconcile all aggrieved members.
PDP National Vice Chairman (South-West), Olasoji Adagunodo, and Zonal Publicity Secretary, Chief Sanya Atofarati, said the review of the March 18 governorship election in Ogun State showed that PDP candidate, Ladi Adebutu, won the poll but was denied victory by the electoral body, assuring members that “the mandate was only temporarily stolen and would be retrieved in no distant time.”
Adagunodo and Atofarati spoke on Saturday in a statement, titled, “South-West PDP commends NWC, acting chairman, hails reconciliation process” made available in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
The party congratulated Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on his victory in the March 18 election, and his Osun State counterpart, Ademola Adeleke, for the Appeal Court verdict which validated his July 16, 2022 election victory and as well Adebutu for outstanding performance in the Ogun State governorship poll.
The zone, which hailed the efforts of party members during the general elections, called for “cordial resolution of the crises confronting the party at all levels. We recommend the setting up of a truth and reconciliation committee to achieve lasting peace and unity for the progress and growth of the party.
“The National Working Committee has led by example and commendably reversed the suspension of notable leaders across state chapters.
“This, without doubt, is a good way to calm frayed nerves and concentrate on what counts. We hereby encourage all state chapters, especially in the zone, to embrace this model to foster peace among party faithful and for true reconciliation.
“In the interest of peace and the required stability of the party, we also commend the NWC resolve that the Deputy National Chairman (North), Amb. Umar Ililya Damagum, assume the position of National Chairmanship of our party in an acting capacity with effect from March 28, 2023. We congratulate our acting chairman and commend his noble efforts toward uniting the PDP.
“We congratulate all newly elected PDP governors, senators-elect, House of Representatives members-elect and state house of assembly members-elect, especially in the South West.
“The zone appreciates the commendable efforts of all party leaders, stakeholders and the entire party faithful for their strong will and for winning many of the contested seats for the party in the just concluded elections,” Adagunodo and Atofarati stated.