During a recent meeting convened by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to strategize for the upcoming gubernatorial election in Ondo State, party stakeholders could not reach a consensus on selecting a unified candidate.
Iliya Damagun, the acting national chairman, briefed approximately 78 key party members from Ondo State about the meeting’s objectives, which included discussions on a potential consensus candidate, zoning issues, and the primary election process.
Despite extensive discussions, the meeting concluded with a decision to further explore the consensus candidate option while endorsing the concept of zoning.
The session was attended by eight gubernatorial hopefuls from the PDP.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, speaking before the closed-door segment, reflected on the lessons learned from the PDP’s defeat in the 2020 Ondo State governorship election, despite internal challenges faced by the party.
The PDP’s 2020 candidate, Eyitayo Jegede, lost to the All Progressives Congress (APC) nominee, the late Rotimi Akeredolu. Makinde acknowledged that losses often provide greater learning opportunities than victories.
He cautioned that the 2024 governorship contest would be fiercely competitive, emphasizing the party’s unity and resolve to contend vigorously for the governorship seat. Makinde affirmed that the election outcome would not be easily granted but would be actively contested by the PDP.
