..New chairman pledges internal democracy, transparent leadership
…Party leaders task members on unity ahead of future elections
By Olubiyi Sosanya
The Ogun State chapter of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) on Saturday held its State Congress, culminating in the emergence of Alhaji Moshood Adesina as the new State Chairman of the party.
The congress, which took place at the party secretariat located at Iya Alape Bus Stop, opposite the Punch Correspondents’ Office in Ijemo, Abeokuta, attracted delegates, stakeholders and party supporters from the 20 local government areas of the state.
The exercise followed the successful conduct of the party’s ward congresses held on May 7 across the 236 wards in Ogun State, as well as the local government congresses conducted on May 8 in the 20 council areas.
The atmosphere at the congress venue was peaceful as security operatives maintained order throughout the exercise while officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission monitored proceedings.
Delegates at the congress unanimously endorsed Adesina to pilot the affairs of the party in Ogun State, describing him as a committed party loyalist with the capacity to reposition the DLA ahead of future elections.
The congress also witnessed the emergence of other members of the State Executive Committee, including Mr. Akande Petters as State Secretary and Alhaji Usman Amobigold as Senatorial Chairperson for Ogun Central.
Hon. Ijaola Ayinde Kazeem also emerged as the Organising Secretary, while Mrs. Funmi Fagboyo was elected as the State Women Mobiliser alongside other executive members.
Party faithful from different parts of the state applauded the transparent and orderly conduct of the congress, noting that the process reflected the democratic ideals of the party.
Members of the party’s national leadership, youth groups, women leaders and grassroots coordinators also attended the exercise and pledged support for the newly inaugurated leadership.
Speaking shortly after his emergence, Adesina expressed appreciation to the national leadership of the party, delegates and members for the confidence reposed in him.
He specifically thanked the National Chairman of the party, Barrister Samuel Meme, INEC officials, security agencies, members of the press and supporters for ensuring a successful congress.
The new chairman described his election as a call to service and promised to provide purposeful leadership capable of strengthening the party’s structures across Ogun State.
According to him, political parties must not be reduced to platforms for selfish ambitions but should remain institutions built on values, discipline and service to the people.
“A political party is not a platform for opportunism. It is not a mere vehicle to power for the few, nor a tool for personal ambition,” Adesina stated during his acceptance speech.
He stressed the need for fairness, justice and equal opportunities for all party members, adding that internal democracy would remain a major priority under his leadership.
Adesina further pledged to reposition party structures from the ward level to the state level to ensure inclusiveness, transparency and effective coordination of party activities.
He assured members that intra-party contests under his leadership would be conducted in a transparent and credible manner that would give every member a sense of belonging.
The chairman also maintained that political parties should go beyond electioneering and focus on mobilising, educating and empowering citizens for social and economic development.
According to him, parties should serve as platforms for organising and energising the people towards emancipation, good governance and sustainable development.
The newly elected Chairman thanked the leadership of DLA for introducing leadership training to all members of the Party, so that members will have more knowledge concerning democracy.
Delegates and stakeholders at the congress applauded the acceptance speech, describing it as inspiring and reflective of the ideals upon which the Democratic Leadership Alliance was founded.
Some party leaders who spoke with journalists after the congress urged members to remain united and committed to the vision of the party, stressing that collective effort would be required to deepen grassroots mobilisation and expand the DLA’s influence across Ogun State ahead of future political activities.
