An ally of former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, Hon. Lanre Omolase, has emerged as the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State following the party’s state congress held on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti.

The congress, monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, also produced Chief Tunde Ogunleye, a former commissioner in the state, as the party’s state secretary.

Other members elected into the State Working Committee include Babatunde Akande (Deputy Chairman), Femi Philips (Publicity Secretary), Lawrence Odunayo (Organising Secretary), and Olugbenga Agbede (Legal Adviser).

Also elected were Mrs Ayodele Oluwatoyin Bosede (Women Leader), Banji Femi (Youth Leader), Gani Bakare (Financial Secretary), Anike Folasade (Treasurer), and Ajayi Joseph (Auditor).

In addition, Sunday Olowolafe, Adeniyi Adefemi, and Segun Olatunji emerged as senatorial chairmen for Ekiti South, Ekiti Central and Ekiti North, respectively.

Speaking at the congress, a member of the PDP National Caretaker Working Committee and the party’s governorship candidate in the 2022 Ekiti election, Bisi Kolawole, acknowledged that the party had experienced internal challenges in recent times.

Kolawole, however, said efforts were underway to rebuild and reposition the party, adding that consultations were ongoing among party leaders and stakeholders nationwide to restore unity and strengthen internal democracy.

He urged the newly elected executives to remain committed to the party’s ideals and work collectively to reposition the PDP.

“Discipline, unity and commitment to the ideals of the PDP are necessary for the party to regain its strength as a major political force,” he said.

In his acceptance remarks, Omolase called for renewed commitment from party members, expressing confidence that the PDP would overcome its challenges.

He pledged to lead the party with fairness and collaboration, while working with stakeholders to help the PDP regain its political strength in Ekiti State.