The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has a new chairman, Barrister Victor Modupe Aisida, but the opposition party’s deep cracks were once again exposed as former Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi, once a major PDP rallying figure, stayed away from the congress.
Aisida, elected at what insiders called a “largely stage-managed” congress in Akure, promised reconciliation, inclusiveness and revival. In his acceptance speech, he declared:
“The night of division is over, and the morning of revival is here. Together, we will restore confidence in our members, rekindle hope in our supporters and present the PDP as the credible alternative our people deserve.”
Promises vs Reality
Yet, Aisida’s rhetoric was overshadowed by the conspicuous absence of Agboola Ajayi, who only weeks ago dropped his legal appeal against Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and openly hinted that he would soon defect to the ruling APC.
Ajayi’s absence was particularly striking because several of the leaders who attended the PDP congress had worked for him during the last governorship election.
His snub, analysts say, is a clear sign of PDP’s dwindling grip on its once-prominent figures.
Heavyweights Sound Alarm
While prominent party leaders like Eyitayo Jegede, Dr Eddy Olafeso, and Hon. Debo Ologunagba tried to rally hope, cracks were visible.
Olafeso admitted bluntly that the party must “leave behind the past” or risk sliding into irrelevance, while former Chairman Dr Bakita Bello warned against “cleavages and groupings” that could undermine Aisida’s leadership.
The Exodus Factor
The PDP’s most pressing problem remains the exodus of members to rival parties, a trend Ajayi’s flirtation with APC has now amplified.
Insiders warn that unless Aisida stops the haemorrhage, his tenure may mark the PDP’s last serious attempt at survival in Ondo politics.
For now, the congress has been hailed as a “new beginning.” But with defections looming, one question lingers: Is Ondo PDP truly reborn — or simply rehearsing for its political obituary?
