Ahead the 2018 governorship election in Ekiti, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Wednesday unanimously picked Gov. Ayo Fayose’s deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, as its flag bearer.
The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that his adoption was announced after the PDP Stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House, Ado Ekiti, at the instance of the governor.
His adoption, however, caught many party supporters in attendance unaware, coming less than a year to the 2018 governorship election in the state.
The stakeholders, who praised the governor for the meeting, commended him for taking the party to the next level, saying that with the emergence of his deputy as the preferred candidate, he had spoken their minds.
Olusola, a Professor of Building Technology from Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU), Ile-Ife, hails from Ikere Ekiti, in Ekiti South Senatorial District of the state.
Olusola’s research interests are mainly in the field of Alternative Building Materials Development for Housing Construction, Construction Technology and Structural Mechanics.
NAN reports that adoption of the deputy governor was the major decision reached at the party stakeholders’ meeting.
The meeting was attended by all the 177 elected Councillors, 177 ward chairmen, the 16 Local Government party chairmen, 16 Council Chairmen, Chairmen and members of Boards and Parastatals.
Others include members of the State Executive Council, Ekiti House of Assembly members, serving and former members of the PDP State Working Committee among others.
The communiqué 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 Prof. Kolapo Olusola (the current deputy governor), from Ekiti South Senatorial District, as our preferred aspirant and candidate.”
The communiqué was signed by Mr Anifowose Mustapha, on behalf of the Councillors, Alhaji Amuda Sunmonu, for Ward Chairmen; Mr Femi Bamisile, for Local Government Party Chairmen.
Messrs. Dapo Olagunju and former Senator Bode Ola signed on behalf of the Local Government Chairmen (ALGON) and Chairmen of Boards and Parastatals respectively.
Others signatories are: Dr Modupe Alade (Secretary to the State Government), for State Executive Council; Mr Kolawole Oluwawole, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, and the State Chairman of the party, Chief Gboyega Oguntuase.
Reacting to the development, the State Chairman of the PDP, Chief Oguntuase said the party organs would abide by the decision taken by the stakeholders in the overall interest of the party and the entire people of Ekiti.
He, however, said that the adoption would not preclude any member of the party that was still interested in the governorship ticket from contesting.
He added that open and transparent primary election would still be held in accordance with the rules of the party and in line with the electoral rules.
Also reacting, Chairman of Forum of Ward Chairmen, Alhaji Amuda Sunmonu, hailed the decision, maintaining that “Wherever Governor Fayose goes, we will follow him.”
The coordinator of the local government councillors’ forum, Mr Anifowose Mustapha, told NAN that all the 177 councillors in the State were solidly behind the governor.
He said that the decision of the party stakeholders remained binding on them, since they were part of the decision.
Secretary to the State Government, Dr Modupe Alade, however, described the deputy governor as a competent and loyal member of the Governor’s political family.
She added that his adoption was a reward for loyalty, dedication and commitment.
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