Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has played a fast one on both friends and foes as he has ‘arranged’ for his deputy, Professor Kolapo Olusola to become the sole candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to contest the state’s governorship election in 2018.
This invariably means that the Professor from the Obafemi Awolowo University is the preferred candidate to succeed Fayose.
However, the endorsement has been condemned by other aspirants in the party.
The Publicity Secretary of the National Caretaker Committee of the PDP, Mr. Dayo Adeyeye; the immediate past state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Owoseni Ajayi; and a former Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada, Dare Bejide, described the process that produced Olusola as illegal.
Adeyeye said the adoption was a clear breach of the PDP’s constitution and the provisions of the Electoral Act (as amended).
His campaign group, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye Movement, claimed the meeting of the amorphous group was hastily convened out of fear for the overwhelming popularity of Adeyeye.
Adeyeye stated, “It is important to note that the PDP, as a political party, is bigger and larger than any individual no matter how highly placed as to override the rules and regulations of the party which are sacrosanct in the election of any candidate for elective position.
“PAMM rejects the purported adoption of a sole candidate in its entirety as there are many other aspirants for the governorship race in 2018.”
Ajayi and Bejide, who are aspirants on the party’s platform, dismissed the development as not posing any threat to their ambition.
Bejide said, “Any caucus of the party can adopt any candidate, whether the choice of Olusola by his caucus has Fayose’s backing holds no water as no one can impose a candidate on the party.
“This will not stop me from emerging as the party’s governorship standard bearer for the poll in March, 2018.”
Prof Olusola, from Ekiti South Senatorial District is said to have remained very close and loyal to the Governor and his emergence, thus, has not surprised observers since Fayose is in absolute control of PDP in Ekiti State
The adoption of the deputy governor, who is a professor of Building Technology was the major decision reached at the party’s stakeholders meeting in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday.
The meeting was attended by 177 councilors, 177 ward chairmen, 16 Local Government party chairmen, 16 Local Council Chairmen, Chairmen and members of Boards and Parastatals, State Executive Council, Ekiti 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; “After due consultation, without prejudice to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), we formally endorse His Excellency, 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; Hon 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.”
Also speaking on behalf of local council councillors, Hon Anifowose Mustapha said all the 177 councillors in the State were solidly behind the governor and “the decision of the party’s stakeholders remained binding on all of us.”
Secretary to the State Government, Dr Modupe Alade described the deputy governor as a competent and loyal member of the Governor Ayodele Fayose political family, adding that his adoption was a reward for loyalty, dedication and commitment.
Packaged by Omotoyosi Jesuleye
