Reactions Trail South West PDP Congress As Fayose, Senator Akinyelure Seek Truce |The Source

By Ayodele Oni

The South-west zonal Congress of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) which ended Monday evening has been adjudged to be one of the best outings of the party in the zone

The Congress, held in Osogbo, Osun state, has produced leaders for the zone despite bickerings and brickbats which preceded its conduct.

Former governor of Ekiti state, Mr Ayo Fayose, one of the contending voices in the zone has congratulated Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja on his emergence as the Southwest Zonal Chairman of the PDP.

He remarked that “like I said in my speech at the beginning of the congress that we should win together,  we have indeed won together.

“Whatever may be our reservations on the issue of over-voting, we have chosen to look at the larger picture, which is the PDP.. We must, therefore, use our energy and resources to rebuild the party.

“Arapaja’s 343 and Olafeso’s 330 votes, have simply shown strength on the two sides. This should be explored by the party, going forward.

I thank the National Working Committee (NWC) for helping to bring this congress behind us.”

The Senator representing Ondo Central at the red chamber, Ayo Akinyelure, described the outcome of the Congress as a no victor, no vanguished

Alluding the success of the Congress to the leaders of the party in the zone, Akinyelure congratulated the two chairmanship contestants, Taofeek Arapaja and Eddy Olafeso,

Governor Seyi Makinde, the acclaimed Leader of PDP in the South West and former Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State for their victory at the poll.

He further lauded the party leadership from the Zone including former Governor Segun Oni of Ekiti State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Governor of Osun State, Barr Eyitayo Jegede, the PDP flag bearer in Ondo State, for their show of maturity and commitment to the development of the patry in the South West geopolitical Zone.

The senator in a statement, praised political gladiators of PDP for the orderliness at the venue of the election and security agencies that ensured free, fair and transparent elections.

“This is what the Senator describes as victory for democracy under the leadership of PDP in the South West geopolitical Zone and national leadership of our great Party.”

The lawmaker urged  stakeholders to see the results as credible and victory for PDP and for the contestants, to accept the results of the election as a giant step towards building the party towards producing the next president of Nigeria come 2023.

The Congress  was not without its drama. Before it began, Fayose had issued a statement that thugs, numbering over 150, and wielding dangerous weapons, had surrounded the hotel where he lodged in a bid to attack him. He said they came in bus loads, and that he had to invite the Police to disperse them.

But the Congree also witnessed his reconciliation with Governor Makinde. The two had, for months on end, been at each other’s throat over the leadership of the party.

Fayose who had been claiming that position, finally  recognised, and acknowledged Makinde as the leader. He pledged his loyalty to Makinde, and to the party. Both men publicly embraced.

Fayose’s loyalty to the party has been in doubt. He is alleged to be a mole, working for the Presidential ambition, in 2023, of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the National Leader of the APC.