The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State, Alhaji Kabiru Adewale Adebiyi, has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to rebuilding its structures from the grassroots, following the outcome of its recent national convention in Abuja.
Alhaji Adebiyi, who participated as a delegate at the convention, said he was among party faithful who elected a new set of National Working Committee members, with Hon. Ramman Muhammed emerging as National Chairman and Hon. Anyanwu as National Secretary. He added that the convention also produced new zonal executives, including Hon. Engr. Ade Doherty as the South-West Vice Chairman.
According to him, the convention placed a clear mandate on party leaders to restore unity and rebuild the PDP across all levels.
“We were given the task of rebuilding our beloved party from the grassroots to the state and national levels. We were asked to return unity to the party and ensure that no member or group is segregated. Part of our responsibility now is to reach out to members who have left and bring them back,” he said.
Adebiyi dismissed claims of internal divisions within the party, insisting that what exists are only aggrieved members rather than factions.
“I will not say we have factions in PDP. What we have are aggrieved members and some individuals who stepped aside due to certain developments. Our task is to reconcile with them, engage them, and restore the party’s strength, especially in Ajeromi-Ifelodun where the masses have consistently shown support for PDP through their votes,” he stated.
He emphasized the need to reposition the party by addressing past setbacks and rebranding its image to regain public trust.
“We must rebuild, rebrand, and reposition the party. We need to look inward, identify areas where we had challenges, and find solutions. We are sending a clear message that PDP is renewed and remains a party Nigerians can rely on, one capable of producing councillors, lawmakers, and even the President,” he added.
The PDP chairman expressed optimism that Nigerians, particularly youths, women, and vulnerable groups, still believe in the party’s capacity to deliver good governance and restore economic stability.
“The electorate is looking for a party that can protect their interests and restore hope. PDP remains one of the largest parties in Africa with the structure and experience to achieve this,” he said.
On ongoing efforts to rebuild membership strength, Adebiyi revealed that the party has intensified mobilization from the ward level upward and is already witnessing a return of former members.
“Many of our members who left are beginning to return, and we are appealing to others to come back. The ongoing online registration process has also been encouraging. We urge all supporters to register and obtain their membership identification through the party’s official platform,” he noted.
He commended local party leaders for their roles in fostering unity, saying efforts are being coordinated from the ward to the local government level to ensure cohesion.
Addressing controversies surrounding a previous local government congress that produced a different chairman, Adebiyi maintained that his emergence followed due process in line with directives from the national leadership.
“We operate strictly based on instructions from the national leadership. Following developments after the earlier congress, a caretaker committee was established across all levels. The subsequent national convention in Abuja produced new executives, and our emergence followed a structured process from the national to the ward level,” he explained.
He firmly rejected being described as a factional chairman.
“I am not a factional chairman. We have only one PDP. There is only one recognized National Chairman, and this can be verified, including on the electoral body’s portal. Even at the local level, our leadership is unified. Recently, we held a meeting attended by key stakeholders, including the former chairman, and there was consensus on my position as the recognized LGA chairman, except if the Supreme Court rules otherwise,” he said.
On concerns about the PDP’s declining influence and preparedness for the 2027 elections, Adebiyi acknowledged past challenges but insisted that the party is regaining momentum.
“Things were down at a point due to certain leadership issues, but that has changed. Many who left are returning, especially after my emergence as chairman. During our recent ward and LGA inaugurations, we saw a significant turnout of returning members. With the time we have, we are confident PDP will bounce back strongly,” he stated.
He disclosed that the party has embarked on aggressive grassroots mobilization, including recognition and encouragement of members to boost morale.
“We have introduced initiatives to appreciate and motivate members at the ward level, including certificates and other forms of recognition. While we may not publicize everything, we are working diligently to rebuild confidence within the party,” he said.
Adebiyi also extended an olive branch to former aspirants and stakeholders, stressing the importance of inclusiveness.
“We are reaching out to those who have contested in the past to make them feel valued and included. Unity is key to our success,” he added.
On the party’s readiness to field candidates in the 2027 elections, he expressed confidence in the PDP’s depth of aspirants.
“PDP has no shortage of credible candidates. Many aspirants are already preparing to contest under our platform in Ajeromi-Ifelodun. In the coming weeks, Nigerians will begin to see significant changes,” he assured.
He identified key leaders of the party in the area, including Alhaji Aare Fakunle as apex leader, Evangelist Israel Ogunrinde, former LGA Chairman Apostle Mathew Abougunde, Mr. Nuru Balogun, Dr. Barr. Oladipupo Wilson Diriwari, Madam Cecilia Ashogbon, and Hon. Rita Orji. He also acknowledged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as the national leader of the party.
Looking ahead to 2027, Adebiyi dismissed suggestions that the PDP would merely participate without strong prospects of victory.
“We are going into the elections to win. We have credible candidates ready to restore the party’s glory. The people of Ajeromi-Ifelodun have always supported PDP, and given the current situation in the country, we are confident they will do so again,” he concluded.
