An ally of former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, Hon. Lanre Omolase has emerged as the chairman of the Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the party’s state congress held on Saturday in Ado‑Ekiti.
The congress, monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, also produced Chief Tunde Ogunleye, a former commissioner in the state, as the party’s secretary along with other members of the State Working Committee.
Other officials elected include Babatunde Akande as Deputy Chairman, Femi Philips as Publicity Secretary, Lawrence Odunayo as Organising Secretary, Olugbenga Agbede as Legal Adviser, Mrs Ayodele Oluwatoyin Bosede as Women Leader, Banji Femi as Youth Leader, Gani Bakare as Financial Secretary, Anike Folasade as Treasurer, Ajayi Joseph as Auditor, while Sunday Olowolafe, Adeniyi Adefemi and Segun Olatunji emerged as senatorial chairmen for Ekiti South, Central and North respectively.
Speaking at the congress, a member of the PDP National Caretaker Working Committee and the party’s governorship candidate in the 2022 Ekiti election, Bisi Kolawole, admitted the party had faced internal challenges but assured members that efforts were underway to rebuild and reposition the party.
Kolawole said consultations were ongoing among party leaders and stakeholders nationwide to restore unity, strengthen internal democracy and rebuild confidence among members.
He urged the newly elected executives to remain loyal to the party and work collectively to move it forward, stressing that discipline, unity and commitment to the ideals of the PDP were vital for the party to regain its strength as a major political force.
In his remarks, the new chairman, Omolase, called on members to renew their commitment to the party, assuring them that the PDP would overcome its current challenges.
He pledged to lead with integrity and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure the party regains its lost ground in Ekiti State.