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In a major move to strengthen its grassroots structure and put an end to years of internal wrangling, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State on Saturday conducted ward congresses across 214 out of the 332 wards in the state, electing new ward executives amid tight security and renewed party unity.

The congress, which was supervised by the 2025 Congress Committee chaired by Dr. Samuel Omotoso, took place only in wards where the tenure of the previous executives had expired.

Speaking with the news men at the PDP State Secretariat in Osogbo before the exercise commenced, Dr. Omotoso explained that the staggered nature of the congress was necessary due to logistical challenges and the need to avoid creating leadership vacuums at the grassroots.

“We are conducting ward congresses in 214 out of the 332 wards because when it concerns a large community, logistics and other challenges arise,” Omotoso said.

“I was here over a year ago to conduct the ward congress, but we could not complete the exercise due to logistical challenges and the expiration of some officials’ terms. Once elected, officials must serve their full four-year term.

“Those being elected today will serve four years, meaning their congress will differ from that held in 2023. This is why these exercises are not conducted simultaneously,” he added.

To ensure a peaceful and credible process, the Osun PDP Chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi, assured that the party had made adequate security arrangements across all affected wards.

“My duty is to host the committee in charge of the congress and ensure their environment is comfortable. The exercise must be hitch-free across all 214 wards,” Bisi stated.

“We have put robust security in place. On Friday, I met with the Commissioner of Police, who instructed DPOs in affected local governments to provide security. I also met with the Director of DSS in Osun State and his team, who mobilised for the exercise. Amotekun, the Civil Defence, and other security agencies are also involved. Security will be tight across the state.”

The congress, which has so far been adjudged peaceful, is seen as a major step in stabilising the Osun PDP following years of internal strife dating back to 2017, when factions loyal to former chairman Mr. Soji Adagunodo clashed over the conduct of previous ward congresses.

In a related development, the PDP in Ife Federal Constituency has resolved a recent internal conflict that had culminated in a vote of no confidence against key leaders including the state’s Deputy Governor, Mr. Kola Adewusi, and former National Secretary, Prof. Wale Oladipo.

The reconciliation was sealed at a stakeholders’ meeting hosted by Adewusi in Ile-Ife, where party leaders across the constituency agreed to put the dispute behind them.

Earlier this month, 39 PDP leaders including Commissioners Biyi Odunlade (Political Affairs) and Dipo Eluwole (Education) had signed a communiqué accusing Adewusi, Oladipo, and Ife East PDP Chairman Olasunkanmi Makinde of anti-party activities and collusion with ex-House of Reps member Bimbo Ajilesoro, who defected to the APC.

Addressing journalists after the peace meeting, Adewusi described the crisis as overblown and affirmed the party’s renewed unity.

“We have forgotten the past and turned over a new leaf. PDP is united; there is no division. Even the tongue and mouth sometimes disagree, but today everything has been resolved. It’s a storm in a teacup,” he said.

“The Devil wanted to play his game, but we won’t allow him,” he added, noting that the reconciliation had the blessing of the senatorial chairman and other stakeholders.

PDP leader in Osun East Central, Hon. Olayiwola Famuyide, praised Governor Ademola Adeleke for his role in brokering peace among aggrieved factions.

At a separate reconciliation parley, attended by top party figures including Deputy Senate Minority Leader Lere Oyewumi, PDP Chairman Sunday Bisi, and Commissioners’ Forum Chairman Ganiyu Olaoluwa, Governor Adeleke attributed the crisis to a breakdown in communication and called on all party leaders to close ranks ahead of future elections.