Earlier in 1998, the G-18 and G-34 had openly opposed the plans of the military leader at the time, Gen. Sani Abacha to continue his rule. Following Abacha’s death in June 1998, the government announced that democratic elections would be held the following year, ending 16 years of military rule.

In preparation for the election, political parties were formed which birthed the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Alex Ekueme, a former vice president of the country was the first party chairman. He was the founding Chairman of the ruling party in Nigeria and was the first Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees. Jerry Gana was the first party secretary.

The party had broad membership drawn from traditional chiefs, academics and businessmen and proved especially popular with the army, as some 100 retired senior officers joined, including Olusegun Obasanjo, a former military leader of Nigeria 1976-1979. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo joined the party soon after it inception under his guidance the PDP quickly became the country’s dominant party.

In Osun state we have many founding fathers like Chief S.M Afolabi, Chief Ebenezer Babatope among others.