There is nothing that is being talked about in the political space more than the Edo and Ondo State Governorship Elections slated for 19th September and 10th October, 2020 respectively. While the Government of United States of America has had cause to caution the Federal Government of Nigeria on both elections, the PDP has quietly cleaned its house, reorganised it and primed it for victory at the polls.
The State Congress was trapped and delayed for almost four months due to the Coronavirus pandemic that ravaged the entire globe. However, on Tuesday, 4th August, 2020, the Congress was held and Fatai Adams was overwhelmingly elected to pilot the affairs of the PDP in Ondo State.
In the run up to the State Congress, the office of the Chairman was one of the offices where concensus could not be reached. Whereas, majority of the Party leaders wanted Adams, others thought differently, on the grounds that, tough looks and imposing physical stature are necessary credentials for a Chairman who wants to wrestle power from a party in government.
The latter school of thought turned to be in the minority. Many of those who have affected the cause of world history are not known to be giants in their physical appearance. Adolf Hitler was just 1.75m tall. Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia was only 1.57m tall. Both men, with frail looking exterior proved that looks can indeed be misleading. And one’s ability to deliver on any assignment is not a function of his height.
The new PDP Executive Committee has come at a very critical period. Barely two months to a major election. The very first test of its ability to organise human and material resources is the Gubernatorial Election on 10th October, 2020. Looking at the Executive Committee, its headship and membership give a ray of hope. Fatai Adams is an experienced politician with disarming humility and a great sense of organisation and administration. In the last eight years, he has been the undisputed engine room of the PDP as State Deputy Chairman. Before his tenure as State Deputy Chairman, he was elected into the Ondo State House of Assembly in 2007. An alumnus of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta he possesses academic, political and administrative capabilities to navigate the party safely to the shore.
To compliment the efforts of this man of history, is a great Team that has been described by leaders of the party as a “Digital Team”. It is a Team that comprise tested technocrats and politicians. A Team populated by men and women who have distinguished themselves in their chosen careers whether in private or public service. Individuals who have served as members of the State Executive Council as State Commissioners or Members of the State Assembly or even the National Assembly. This is the Team that has been assembled to undertake the assignment to deliver Government House, Alagbaka to the Party.
If the activities of last few days of this Executive Committee are anything to go by, then, it is Crystal clear that a new Dawn has come for the PDP.
Fatai Adams, driven by the Mission to make history, to midwife the PDP to victory has already been established. Indeed a new sheriff is in town. The next few days will tell the story better.
Kennedy Ikantu Peretei is State Publicity Secretary of PDP, Ondo State.
Study @ Achievers University
