Kennedy Peretei, the former Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, has been elected as the pioneer chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the state. The election took place during a congress held in Akure, the state capital, with 150 delegates from all 18 local government areas ratifying the new executive council through consensus.
Congress Committee Declares Results
Emmanuel Alli, Chairman of the Congress Committee, announced the results, stating that the exercise was conducted in accordance with directives from the party's national headquarters and reflected the collective will of members across the state. The newly elected executive committee will pilot the party's affairs in Ondo State for the next four years.
Elected Officials
Alongside Peretei, Oluwole Akinmuyisan was elected as deputy chairman, and Babatunde Daudu as secretary. Other officials include Ayodeji Joy as State Woman Leader, Samuel Olutosin as Organising Secretary, Owolola Adebola as Publicity Secretary, Asiwaju Bernard as Vice Chairman (South), and Olutubosun Isijola as Vice Chairman (North), among others.
Peretei's Remarks on National Momentum
Speaking shortly after his emergence, Peretei declared that the country is at a political crossroads and that the NDC is gaining unprecedented national momentum. He claimed that over 10 million Nigerians have registered as party members within 48 hours, describing this as a reflection of growing public frustration and a desire for political change ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Peretei alleged that the federal government is attempting to suppress opposition voices, insisting that Nigeria's democratic space must remain open to all political tendencies. He stated, “Anybody can go to the NDC website and confirm this. NDC has registered about 10 million Nigerians in 48 hours. It is an expression of the frustration going on in the country. People want something different; people want something better than what they are experiencing now, and that is what will translate into votes in 2027.”
He further added, “There is a deliberate attempt to strangle opposition, but opposition believes that this country does not belong to anybody. This country belongs to all of us. The political space must be enlarged so that people can express themselves. That is why the NDC coming on board registered more than nine million Nigerians on our website within a very short time, so much so that the website almost collapsed. We are already a strong opposition. Having concluded this congress peacefully, those in government know there is now trouble in the political arena. They will be held accountable to the people.”
