The Ondo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has unanimously elected Dupe Aisida, a former Chairman of Owo Local Council, as its substantive chairman.
The election, held during the party’s congress at the weekend, also affirmed other key officers who will steer the party’s affairs as part of efforts to consolidate and reposition the opposition ahead of future elections.
Aisida, a long-time party loyalist, succeeds Bakitta Bello, a former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, who had been serving in an acting capacity following the death of the former chairman, Hon. Fatai Adams.
Other members of the new executive include Akin Oyewole (Deputy Chairman), Oluseye Olujimi (Secretary), Jolade Aladetan (Publicity Secretary), and Woke Akindiose (Legal Adviser).
In his acceptance speech, Aisida vowed to unite party stakeholders and restore the PDP’s relevance in Ondo politics.
“The mandate is not for me alone but for every faithful party member who has watered the seed of this party with sweat, steadfastness, and loyalty,” he said.
He acknowledged that the PDP had gone through “seasons of turbulence and tribulations,” sometimes caused by internal divisions, but expressed optimism about the party’s revival.
“We will rise again — stronger, wiser, and more determined,” Aisida declared. “Our vision is unity without exception and progress without exclusion.
“While our doors will remain open to all, we are determined to instill discipline and restore the party’s lost glory through a strict adherence to our constitution and party organs.”
Aisida pledged to engage both the party’s founding fathers and young members, as well as mobilize women for future political participation.
He promised constructive opposition, saying the PDP would hold the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) accountable without resorting to destructive criticism.
He appealed to members to put past divisions behind them and work together to rebuild confidence and present the PDP as a credible alternative in Ondo State.
