By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the appointment of Alhaji Rahman Owokoniran, a prominent figure within the party’s ranks, as the acting National Vice Chairman (South-West) in the wake of former National Vice Chairman Soji Adagunodo’s passing.
The decision to elevate Owokoniran to this significant role comes as no surprise given his distinguished political career, including his tenure as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly and his recent position as the Zonal Secretary of the PDP South-West Zone.
The announcement was made following the conclusion of the South West PDP Zonal Executive meeting held in Ibadan last Saturday. This pivotal gathering was attended by party leaders and officials from across the South-West region.
In a communique released after the meeting, Chief Sanya Atofarati, the Southwest PDP Zonal Publicity Secretary, emphasized the temporary nature of Owokoniran’s role, pending the election of a permanent National Vice Chairman in accordance with the provisions of the PDP constitution. Atofarati’s statement underlined the party’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and transparency in its internal processes.
Beyond this internal appointment, the PDP Southwest zone reiterated its strong stance in supporting its candidates who are currently embroiled in legal battles at the Election Petition Tribunals, fighting for their mandates that they believe were unjustly taken from them. The party remains resolute in its pursuit of justice and upholding the integrity of the electoral system.
In a move that showcases the party’s awareness and engagement with national issues, the PDP South-West zone also took the opportunity to criticize the federal government led by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its approach to the removal of fuel subsidy. The party condemned what it deemed a “directionless approach,” emphasizing the lack of concrete plans or measures in place to mitigate the potential adverse effects of this decision on the Nigerian populace.