The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State escalated over the weekend as two factional chairmen, Abayomi Tella and Sikirullah Ogundele, were elected in parallel congresses held in Abeokuta.

Tella, a former chairman of Ado Odo-Ota Local Government Area, emerged as chairman of the faction loyal to ex-governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu.

The congress, supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was organised by the Kabiru Baffa Jauro-led PDP Congress Committee.

Meanwhile, Ogundele, the immediate past state chairman, was elected by a rival faction led by Adekunle Akinlade, Adebutu's former running mate, and Jimi Lawal, a former governorship aspirant.

Jauro, head of the seven-member committee from Abuja, dismissed claims of a parallel congress, insisting Tella was the legitimate chairman.

"If anyone claims they are holding another congress, it is a 'kangaroo exercise'. We have the authentic delegate list," Jauro said, emphasising that the results would be submitted to the PDP national secretariat.

Ogundele, however, said the courts would decide which faction held the authentic congress, stressing that his group followed the proper procedure.