••• Party Chieftains Decry Rising Insecurity in Kwara; Demand Overhaul of Voter Mobilization Strategy
As the countdown to the 2027 general elections begins, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ifelodun Local Government Chapter on Friday held a high-powered Youth Summit aimed at fortifying the party’s grassroots structure and securing the sanctity of the ballot.
The event, themed “Protecting the Vote through Youth Engagement and Community Vigilance,” held at the Share Town Hall, brought together a cross-section of party stalwarts, civil society leaders, security agencies, and representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In his opening remarks, the Ifelodun LGA PDP Party Chairman, Hon. Dr. W.W. Memudu, commended the Youth Leader and the planning committee for the initiative, lauding it as a timely intervention amidst the ongoing voter registration exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He noted that the program would go a long way in broadening the understanding of youths within the party on how to effectively protect their votes and increase participation.
The host and Ifelodun LGA Youth Leader, Hon. Segun Adeboye, expressed gratitude to key backers of the movement, specifically citing Engr. Ridwan Elemosho for his unrelenting support and the State Treasurer, Rev. COS Fawenu, for his consistent guidance.
The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Aileru Olawale Moruf, in his Keynote address emphasized that voter registration is the foundation of political relevance.
“Strategy increases registration. Peace sustains participation. Youth engagement expands reach. Community vigilance protects credibility. If these elements work together, democracy in Ifelodun will be strengthened from its foundation,” He said.
He further stressed that violence has no place in the registration process, as intimidation only leads to a decline in participation, particularly among women and first-time voters.
Speaking, the State Party Youth Leader and Chief Host, Hon. Odunjo Adio, described the LG Youth Leader as a pacesetter, noting that the Local Government has positioned itself as modules to other LGAs.
Adio seized the platform to urge participants to remain united for the 2027 election, which he described as a turning point for the party’s destiny.
One of the guest Speaker and a renowned entrepreneur, Dr. Kabir Yesbit, called for a complete overhaul of the party’s participation strategies using a proper SWOT analysis of previous elections.
He raised an alarm over alleged irregularities, asserting that in some LGAs, underage children are being manipulated to register while urging participants to remain community-vigilant to ensure such practices are stopped.
Adding to the discourse, other guest lecturers Hon. Abdulrazaq Zubair representative of INEC and Hon. Kolade Olaoluwa (Uncle) urged participants to ensure full participation in political activities to secure a competitive edge for the party.
The Kwara Central PDP Senatorial Youth Leader, Hon. Abdulrazaq Ishaq (Aro Dollar), who also spoke at the event described the current state of Kwara as worrisome, citing a lack of leadership as the reason for the surge in persistent insecurities, kidnappings, and banditry across Kwara South and North.
“During the tenure of Dr. Abubakar Saraki, there was no case of insecurity as it is now. Despite collecting triple the allocation, this government cannot point to tangible projects, rather bringing suffering to the masses,” He said.
Aro added that hundreds of souls lost their lives due to negligence of the current govt’s ineptitude across the Kwara South and North Senatorial district adding that such kind of party and Leadership doesn’t deserve the sympathy nor support of any right thinking individuals.
Representing the State Party Chairman, Rev. COS Fawenu (State Treasurer) debunked the narrative that the PDP party has fallen at the national level, describing it as a distraction strategy by the APC and has no effect on the State Party structures.
He relayed the assurance of National Leader Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki that the party is ready to coast to victory in 2027.
Fawenu further urged parents to involve their children in political activities, teaching them the importance of participation as a civic duty rather than a worthless endeavor.
Others who delivered their goodwill messages includes; Alhaji Abdulfatah Akorede, Alhaji Abdulganiyyu Erinjogunola, Prince R.O. Aliyu representing the OBG Group, Hon. Lawal Olamilekan (Auto), and the Ifelodun LGA Women Leader, Alhaja Sherifat Ibrahim, as they collectively urged for a unified effort, noting that the 2023 elections revealed a desire for change among Kwarans due to the poor performance of the current administration.
More pictures from the event;
In attendance also was the Reps aspirant for Oyun/Offa/Ifelodun Federal Constituency, Hon. Babatunde Abdulateef Ojomu, among others.