Ekiti Dep. Gov.emerge PDP guber candidate

The Deputy Governor of the State, Professor Kolapo Olusola, has emerged the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the forthcoming guber poll in the state.

Olusola, a Professor of Building Technology from the Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU) Ile-Ife, Osun State, was adopted as  the major decision reached at the party’s stakeholders meeting  in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, less than 12 months to the November 18 governorship election in Ekiti.

The meeting was attended by 177 councillors, 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.

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, Prof KolapoOlusola (the current deputy governor), from Ekiti South Senatorial District,  as our preferred aspirant/candidate.”

Those who signed the communique are; Hon Anifowose Mustapha, for Councillors,  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 with newsmen  after the adoption, State Chairman of the PDP, Chief Oguntuase said 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.

He 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 Prof Olusola, maintaining that “Wherever
Governor  Fayose goes, we will follow him.”

Also speaking on behalf of local council councillors, Hon Anifowose
Mustapha  said all the 177 councillors in the State were solidly
behind the governor and “the decision of the party’s stakeholders
remained 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.

It will be recalled that Governor Fayose, had said at the inception of
his administration that when he would be ending his term as the
Governor, he and his deputy Olusola, would both leave the government
of the state.