Another stakeholders meeting called by members of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) in Ekiti state to address some lingering issues, which have caused division within the party was boycotted by prominent members including the senator representing Ekiti South, Biodun Olujinmi.
At the meeting, which was held in Ado Ekiti, former Governor Ayo Fayose told members that he belongs to a PDP faction being led by Rivers state Governor, Nyesome Wike but that he will work for the victory of the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and other candidates to win the poll.
Only last weekend, members of the PDP in Ado local government passed a resolution that Joju, son of the former Governor who is a House of Representatives candidate should withdraw.
Fayose, who declared that the party will rise again in Nigeria and in particular, Ekiti State, said even though he will remain in the camp of the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, nothing will make him join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“A lot have been said, but like I have said many times, let me state it here expressly again that I will never join APC for whatever reason.
“In all the issues we are having as a party, no one has said that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is not our presidential candidate. No one has said too that Dr Ifeanyi Okowa is not our party’s vice presidential candidate.
“Also, we have Senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates here. Among them is my biological son, Joju and others who are my political sons and daughters. My interest is that all these candidates should win elections.
“Therefore, I am appealing to those who are angry to stop being angry. Those who are fighting should stop fighting. Let us face the 2023 elections together and win first. After that, we can resume the fight.”
Also speaking, the party’s candidate in the last governorship election, Hon Bisi Kolawole, thanked the party members for their support during the election. He said; “even though we lost, I am still grateful to the party for the opportunity and I wish to urge all the party stakeholders to close ranks so that together, we will rise again.”
The State Acting Chairman, Hon Lanre Omolase, who spoke on behalf of the State Working Committee members, affirmed their believe in Fayose’s leadership, saying that those plotting against him should sheath their sword in the interest of the party candidates who are standing for elections next year.
Some other leaders of the party that spoke expressed reservation on allowing Fayose to lead the presidential campaign in the state.
His name was among those that were appointed into the presidential campaign team last week.
They called on the presidential candidate of the party, not to have any dealing with the former Governor.
According to the PDP members, any attempt to allow Fayose lead the campaign committee in the state would be vehemently resisted.
The PDP members alleged that Fayose was never in support of the Atiku dream, alleging that his coming back to take up the campaign work was not out of genuine mind but for selfish reason.
The meeting had in attendance, a former Deputy Governor, Professor Olusola Kolapo, former lawmaker, Dr Samuel Omotosho, former Chairman Gbonyin Local Government, Sade Akinrinmola, former PDP State Chairman, Gboyega Oguntuase and others.
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