Tinubu Group Fights Over Ekiti Governorship Ticket, Adeyeye, Ojo Lay Claim To SWAGA Support

By Ayodele Oni

Members of the South West Agenda,(SWAGA) a group in Ekiti State championing the Presidential bid of former Lagos state Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, seems divided over the choice of candidate for the Governorship election coming up in June.

The Group, headed by Senator Dayo Adeyeye, which has almost divided the All Progressive Congress, (APC) in the State has concluded plans to present only one candidate in an apparent bid to clinch the Governorship ticket.

Investigations revealed that since the Group leader, Prince Adeyeye decided to join the Governorship race, members are now divided on a choice.

This is because another member of the Group, Mr Kayode Ojo, had earlier signified his intention to vie for the Ekiti number one seat and has been going round to sell his ambition.

Kayode Ojo, is from Central Senatorial District while Adeyeye hails from the South, whose people have been agitating for zoning of the Governorship seat to the area.

Some members of SWAGA in Ekiti State who spoke on the development within the group, expressed the fear that it may cost them the Governorship ticket if not addressed before the primary election.

From investigations, no member of the group from the Ward to State level makes the Exco list, while none is a political appointee or member House of Assembly, that are automatic delegates expected to vote if APC decides to adopt Indirect Mode of Primary to pick its candidate.

Campaign Media Director for the Gubernatorial ambition of Senator Adeyeye, however, said that his principal remains the sole candidate being backed by the South-West Agenda, (SWAGA), for the June  election in the state.

The Director, Oluwayomi Abegunde, pointed out that it was strange that some individuals are claiming to be SWAGA candidate in the forthcoming election.

According to Mr. Abegunde, Prince Adeyeye started the struggle of SWAGA about two years ago and it would be unwise for a non-member to lay claim to the supports from the group.

“We are all aware that Prince Dayo Adeyeye is the National Chairman of SWAGA. The struggle didn’t start today, Prince Adeyeye has worked tirelessly for years to make SWAGA what it is today. So, why should someone be telling a blatant lie to seek votes?

“Those claiming to be SWAGA candidate has not participated in any of our activities. If they claim to be a part of the movement, let them proof their membership by showing the world their contributions.

“Let me reinstate again that Prince Dayo Adeyeye is the sole candidate of SWAGA in the Ekiti Gubernatorial election.

“Every other person claiming to be a SWAGA candidate is a joker without any political structures. I’m challenging them to also call for SWAGA Excos meeting in Ekiti State if truly they are members.”

Meanwhile, from the time table on the Governorship activities released by the APC, the sale of forms to aspirants who have interest in contesting June 18 2022 Governorship Election in Ekiti State closes today (Saturday) January 15.

It began on Tuesday, November 16, 2021.

The last day for submission of completed forms and accompanying documents to the APC National Secretariat is scheduled for Today, January 15, 2022.

Screening of aspirants will take place on Tuesday, January 18th 2022, while publication of claims and objections will be held on Thursday January 20th, 2022.

Screening appeals is scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 23rd, 2022, while the Primary Election will take place on Thursday, January 27th, 2022 and Election Appeal will take place on Friday 28th, Saturday 29th, January 2022.

Eight aspirants have visited the National Secretariat to obtain Forms, among them are; Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), Otunba Demola Popoola (ODEP), Prince Adedayo Adeyeye (PAAM), Kayode Olubunmi Ojo (KO), Bamisile Olufemi (BAFEM), Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (MOB), Bamidele Faparusi (FAPPY) and Otunba Olu Afolabi Oluwasola.