Former spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State, Kennedy Peretie, has emerged as Chairman of the National Democratic Congress in the state following its congress held in Akure.

The congress, which took place on Monday, drew 150 delegates from the 18 local government areas of Ondo State and was conducted under tight security.

Chairman of the NDC Congress Committee, Emmanuel Alli, announced that the new executive committee was adopted through a consensus ratification process. He said the exercise followed directives from the party’s national leadership and reflected the collective will of members.

Other members of the executive include Oluwole Akinmuyisan as Deputy Chairman and Babatunde Daudu as Secretary. Ayodeji Joy was named State Woman Leader, while Samuel Olutosin emerged as Organising Secretary. Owolola Adebola will serve as Publicity Secretary, alongside Asiwaju Bernard as Vice Chairman South and Olutubosun Isijola as Vice Chairman North.

In his acceptance speech, Peretie claimed that more than 10 million Nigerians registered with the party within 48 hours following the reported defection of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to the NDC.

He described the figure as a reflection of widespread dissatisfaction in the country and said the data could be verified through the party’s website.

According to him, the surge signals a growing demand for political change ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Peretie also pledged that the Ondo chapter of the party would provide strong opposition, stating that the peaceful conduct of the congress had strengthened unity among stakeholders.

He further accused the federal government of attempting to suppress opposition voices, warning against any effort to dominate Nigeria’s political space.

Peretie said the growing membership of the NDC indicates a rising desire among citizens for a credible alternative in the political landscape.