Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, yesterday anointed his Deputy, Prof Kolapo Olusola, from Ekiti South Senatorial District, as the preferred candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
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.”
