A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State has used its latest congress to send a clear message about where its attention now lies  the race to 2027. At the weekend in Ibadan, the group aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, elected Professor Abdulrahman Akinoso of the University of Ibadan as state chairman, in a move that underscores how internal party structures are already being shaped with the next general elections in view.

The congress took place at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Oke Ado, where members of the faction gathered under heavy security and concluded their proceedings in under three hours. Officials said representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission were present. By the end of the exercise, 38 other members had also emerged into the State Executive Council, all through affirmation.
Among those returned are Dr. Abiola Olaonipekun as Secretary, Alhaja Latifah Latifu as Woman Leader, and Mr. A. Adeleke as Youth Leader. Members of the congress committee included Hon. Awoniyi Tolulope, Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi, Queen Stepheine Oyechere, Alhaji Yusuf Abidakun and Mr. Olumide Aguda, while Dr. Phillips Adeniyi served as secretary to the committee. Together, the composition of the new team points to an effort by the faction to quickly put a functioning leadership structure in place.

But beyond the list of names, the bigger political signal came from the tone of the new chairman’s first remarks. Akinoso said the immediate assignment before the group is to align with preparations for the 2027 general elections. According to him, the coming e-membership registration exercise will be central to expanding the party’s grassroots strength across Oyo State.

That focus gives the congress a forward-looking significance. In practical terms, the faction is trying to do two things at once settle its internal leadership arrangement and begin rebuilding its field structure ahead of a major electoral cycle. By stressing membership registration and mobilisation, the new leadership appears to be treating party data, organisation and local outreach as the foundation for future relevance.

Akinoso also called on members to put aside internal disagreements and close ranks. His message was that unity, consultation and collective purpose will determine whether the party can compete effectively in future elections. That appeal reflects a wider reality within party politics: factions may emerge and contest influence, but electoral success often depends on whether rival interests can eventually be brought into one working structure.

For political observers in Oyo, the weekend congress was therefore more than a routine party event. It was a governance and strategy moment within opposition politics  one that showed how a faction is attempting to position itself, consolidate authority and build momentum before the larger battle of 2027. Whether that effort translates into broader party cohesion remains to be seen, but the direction from Ibadan is already clear.