tensions in the Ekiti PDP as Fayose unloads Eleka, Oni claims Kolavole
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) following the confirmation by President of Bisi Colavole as a candidate for governor by former Governor Ayo Fayose ahead of the 2022 gubernatorial election.
DAILY POST met on Sunday when Fayose announced Kolawole’s endorsement to members of his political platform, the Osoko People’s Assembly (OPA), at a meeting held at his country home in Afao Ekiti, and developments are causing unrest within the party.
Kolavole’s anointing was a sign that Fayose had left the former governor of Shogun Oni, who recently made an open statement; 2018 Governor Candidate Professor Olusola Eleka and 2018 Deputy Governor Candidate Mr. Deji Ogunsakin, who were considered favorites until the last event.
The issue became a major topic of discussion on many social media platforms Saturday night, when the NDP issued a slew of worried warnings against yet another imposition, claiming such action cost the party its 2018 gubernatorial victory.
Kolavole was a member of the Third House of the Assembly, where he represented the constituency of Efon from 2007 to 2011. He also worked under Fayos as Environmental Commissioner from 2015 to 2018.
Photos of Fayose’s visit to the Kolavole residence in Efon, where he further explained the reasons why he anointed him as the next flagship of the NDP, appeared on social media Saturday night.
A source told DAILY POST that a former member of the House of Assembly criticized Kolavole’s choice, expressing surprise at the sudden change in the situation at the Afao meeting after Fayose had previously sent them to work for Ogunsakin.
Fayose is said to have angered the former MP for daring to challenge his authority as a former governor and leader of the OPA.
Colawole’s choice has further polarized the party, which is grappling with a fierce factional crisis between Fayose’s loyal OPA group and the legislator’s loyal repositioning group representing Ekiti South in the Senate, Senator Biodun Olujimi.
The Olujimi faction led by the Honorable. Kehinde Odebunmi appealed to the Supreme Court after the High Court and the Court of Appeal confirmed the Fayose faction led by Hon. Kolavole.
Fayose’s public demonstration of support for Colavole’s candidacy divided the PDP members: some of them welcomed the action, while others criticized Fayose for trying to nominate a candidate before the primary parties.
While some supported Kolavole, others argued that it was premature for the former governor to throw a fist in an attempt to get his friend to hear the party’s warning about a repeat of the government’s 2018 losing to the All-Progressive Congress. APC), who partly accused Eleka of the appointment.
But Feiose, in a social media post, justified why she chose Colavole, calling him “highly qualified” to receive the party’s state ticket.
However, the former governor made it clear that in the run-up to the 2022 gubernatorial election in Ekiti, Ekiti will host primaries for all candidates with an interest in the NDP ticket.
Fayose said: “I am diligently supporting Bisi Colavole because he is supremely qualified, a meeting place and a bridge builder. But this is still an open race for all applicants.
“Over time, the party will hold primaries for everyone. Today, however, for me it is Governor Bisi Colavole.
“For my political ‘children’ (applicants) and followers of the Osoko Political Assembly, it could be ‘you’, but God’s will will be done. Your moment will definitely come.
“As a leader, I reserve the right to make choices and decisions that I humbly made.”
Fayose’s media assistant, Lere Olayinka, answering a question from a social network user about why Fayose left Eleka, Olayinka said: “Abeg, bring your Giramatika to Oyinbo, go to bed.
“I have great respect for Professor Kolapo Olusol Elek and here I will not say anything against him.
“But on this occasion, we, who chose Eleka in 2018, chose Bisi Kolawole for 2022.
“In 2018, Professor Eleka was not the smartest, he got a ticket.”
Reacting to Kolavole’s choice in another WhatsApp post, Ogunsakin said the action ended his ambitions to run for governor in the 2022 vote.
He said: “I have just spoken to my dear Egbon and the chairman of our large NDP party, the Honorable Bisi Colavale, to congratulate him because the news of his appearance reached me from sources for whom I deeply respect.
“I mean in no uncertain terms that Bisi K is a good gentleman and a respectable family man that I care so much about. If I had been chosen, he would have stood firmly behind me, and obviously I will do the same for him.
“While I thank my friends, supporters and family members for your support, this is where our journey to the governor’s office ends with the promise we made to our leader, His Excellency Ayo Fayos, and the entire OPA leadership that we will abide by. teaching the group in the common interest.
“Please note that I am not available for negative discussion. Thank. God bless the OPA. God bless the PDP. “
Meanwhile, the NDP in the local government of Efon, the district where Kolavole municipality is located, welcomed his choice of Fayose, calling it “the best solution.”
According to the statement from LG President Efon PDP, Hon. Oluyemi Ajanaku, Kolavole – the person needed to transform the state of Ekiti.
“Without a doubt, the declaration of interest at Hon. Governor Ayodele Fayose’s Bisi Colavole remains the best choice as the preferred choice (Hon. Bisi Colavole) is experienced enough, disciplined, and truly endowed with the transformative potential and know-how needed to revitalize our nation; especially at this time; when it all fell apart.
“Thank God who is afraid of Oshokomol; to the leader of our great party, for the kind attention, trust and confidence that were shown with difficulty to our son.
“In this respect, we promise full support, loyalty and an intense modern campaign; in particular, about the victory of our chosen candidate. “
Source: – Daily Post
