2018: Ekiti PDP Stakeholders Adopts Fayose’s Deputy
The deputy governor of Ekiti state, Professor Kolapo Olusola, has emerged the “preferred candidate” of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2018 governorship election in the state.
Olusola, a professor of Building Technology from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, who hails from Ikere Ekiti, in Ekiti South senatorial district of the state, was adopted by critical stakeholders of the party at a meeting held at the government house pavilion in Ado Ekiti, the state capital on Wednesday.
The 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 were in attendance at the meeting where the decision was taken.
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, Professor Kolapo Olusola (the current deputy governor), from Ekiti South Senatorial District, as our preferred aspirant/candidate.”
The communiqué was jointly signed by ; Hon Anifowose Mustapha, for Councilors; 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 after the adoption, State Chairman of the PDP, Chief Oguntuase said that 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.
Oguntuase, 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 Professor Olusola, maintaining that “Wherever Governor Fayose goes, we will follow him.”
Hon Anifowose Mustapha, who spoke on behalf of local council councilors, said all the 177 councilors in the state were solidly behind the governor and “the decision of the party’s stakeholders remains 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.
