NDC Gains Ground as Ex-PDP Spokesperson Peretei Becomes Pioneer Ondo Chairman

Former Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Kennedy Peretei, has been elected as the pioneer State Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Peretei emerged by consensus during the party’s state congress held in Akure, where approximately 150 delegates drawn from all 18 local government areas endorsed the newly constituted executive council.

Chairman of the Congress Committee, Emmanuel Alli, stated that the exercise was conducted in strict adherence to directives from the party’s national leadership, describing the outcome as a true reflection of the collective will of members.

Other officials elected at the congress include Oluwole Akinmuyisan as Deputy Chairman, Babatunde Daudu as Secretary, Ayodeji Joy as Woman Leader, Samuel Olutosin as Organising Secretary, and Owolola Adebola as Publicity Secretary. Asiwaju Bernard and Olutubosun Isijola were also elected as Vice Chairmen for the South and North, respectively.

In his acceptance speech, Peretei painted a sobering picture of the nation’s political climate, describing Nigeria as being at a “critical crossroads.” He expressed optimism about the NDC’s growing influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He further claimed that the party recorded over 10 million registrations within 48 hours, attributing the surge to increasing public appetite for alternative political platforms.

“The registration figures are verifiable. Anyone can confirm this on the NDC website,” he said.

Peretei also raised concerns over what he described as efforts to stifle opposition voices, emphasising the importance of an open and inclusive political environment.

“This country belongs to all Nigerians. The political space must remain open for citizens to freely express themselves,” he added.

The new chairman noted that the reported rise in membership signals a strong desire for change among Nigerians, expressing confidence that it would translate into electoral success. He also assured that the Ondo chapter of the party would play a constructive opposition role, adding that the peaceful conduct of the congress had reinforced unity within its ranks.