2018: EKITI PDP ADOPTS FAYOSE’S DEPUTY AS SOLE CANDIDATE
2018: EKITI PDP ADOPTS
FAYOSE’S DEPUTY AS SOLE CANDIDATE
In what appeared as if God has finally
spoken to Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, on the choice of his
successor, some critical stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party and
core loyalists of the governor, yesterday adopted his Deputy, Prof Kolapo
Olusola, from Ekiti South Senatorial District, as the preferred candidate of
the party. Kolapo Olusola The adoption of Fayose’s deputy as his
successor less than 12 months to the 2018 governorship election in Ekiti
State, may have foreclosed the aspiration of other members of the party, such
as the publicity secretary of the PDP caretaker committee, Dayo Adeyeye, Senator
Abiodun Olujimi and a former Deputy Governor, Dr Sikiru Lawal.
The
action was described by political analysts in the state as a pre-emptive
move against the plan of the Ahmed Markafi-led caretaker committee, which might
be thinking of rewarding Dayo Adeyeye with the governorship seat for his effort
in the struggle to edge out the Ali Modu Sheriff faction and re-position the
party. Fayose had in a statement made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti
on Tuesday, said he was waiting on God to appoint his successor, asking those
aspiring to shelve their ambition until he heard from God. The adoption
of the deputy governor, who is a Professor of Building Technology from the
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, was the major decision
reached at the party’s stakeholders meeting in Ado Ekiti yesterday.
The meeting was attended
by 177 councillors, 177 ward chairmen, 16 local government party chairmen, 16
local council chairmen and members of Boards and Parastatals, State Executive
Council, State House of Assembly members, serving and former members of the PDP
state working committee, former Deputy Governor, among others. The communique
issued at the end of the meeting reads in part; “After due consultation,
without prejudice to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), we
formally endorse Prof Kolapo Olusola (the current deputy governor), from Ekiti
South Senatorial District, as our preferred aspirant/candidate.” Those who
signed the communique are; Hon Anifowose Mustapha, for councillors, Alhaji
Amuda Sunmonu, for Ward Chairmen; Femi Bamisile, for Local Government Party
Chairmen; Hon Dapo Olagunju, for Local Government Chairmen (ALGON); Senator
Bode Ola, for Chairmen of Board and Parastatals; Dr Modupe Alade (Secretary to
the State Government), for State Executive Council; Rt. Hon. Kolawole
Oluwawole, Speaker of the State House of Assembly and the State Chairman of the
party, Chief Gboyega Oguntuase. Speaking with journalists after the adoption,
State Chairman of the PDP, Chief Oguntuase said the party organs will abide by
the decision taken by the stakeholders in the overall interest of the party and
the entire people of Ekiti State.
He however said that the
adoption will not preclude any member of the party that is interested in the
governorship ticket from contesting, adding that open and transparent primary
election will be held in accordance with the rules of the party. Chairman of
Forum of Ward Chairmen, Alhaji Amuda Sunmonu also hailed the decision to adopt
Prof Olusola, maintaining that “Wherever Governor Fayose goes, we will follow
him.”