Ex-PDP Spokesperson Elected NDC Chair in Ondo State, Claims Massive Membership Surge

Akure, Ondo State – In a significant political development, Kennedy Peretei, formerly a spokesperson for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, has been elected as the new chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the state. The election took place at the party's state Congress held at Royal Birds Hotel and Towers in Akure, drawing around 150 delegates from all 18 local government areas. The delegates unanimously ratified the emergence of the new executive council through consensus, signaling a unified front for the party in the state.

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Over 10 million Nigerians had registered as members of the party within 48 hours, describing the development as a clear reflection of growing public frustration and desire for political change.

Emmanuel Alli, Chairman of the congress committee, declared the results, emphasizing that the exercise adhered to directives from the party's national headquarters and accurately reflected the collective will of its members. Alongside Peretei, other key officials were elected, including Oluwole Akinmuyisan as deputy chairman and Babatunde Daudu as secretary. The new leadership team also comprises Joy Ayodeji (state woman leader), Samuel Olutosin (organising secretary), Owolola Adebola (publicity secretary), Asiwaju Bernard (vice chairman, south), and Olutubosun Isijola (vice chairman, north), among others.

In his acceptance speech, Peretei painted a picture of Nigeria at a critical political juncture, asserting that the NDC is experiencing unprecedented national momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections. He made a striking claim that over 10 million Nigerians registered as NDC members within just 48 hours, interpreting this as a clear indicator of widespread public frustration and a yearning for political change. Peretei invited verification of these figures, stating they are publicly accessible on the NDC website and not artificially inflated.

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There is a deliberate attempt to strangle opposition, but opposition believes that this country does not belong to anybody. This country belongs to all of us.

Peretei also voiced concerns about the federal government's alleged attempts to stifle opposition voices, insisting that Nigeria's democratic space must remain open to all political tendencies. He warned against any efforts to monopolize the political landscape, stating, "Nigeria is too big to be put in anybody’s pocket, and whoever attempts to do that, that person’s pocket will tear." He views the surge in support for the NDC as evidence of Nigerians seeking a credible alternative to the current political offerings, highlighting the party's rapid growth as a response to the prevailing frustrations within the country.

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Nigeria is too big to be put in anybody’s pocket, and whoever attempts to do that, that person’s pocket will tear.