By Chibuike Nwabuko
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – Ekiti State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party has adopted Fayose’s deputy, Prof Kolapo Olusola, from Ekiti South Senatorial District, as the preferred candidate to flag the party’s flag in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Prof Kolapo Olusola’s adoption was the major decision reached at the party’s stakeholders meeting in Ado Ekiti today.
This is coming barely twenty four hours after governor Ayodele Fayose held a meeting with all the aspirants in the party, urging them to give him time to seek the consent of God to know who to support amongst them.
The resolution which is contained in a 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 His Excellency, Prof Kolapo Olusola (the current deputy governor), from Ekiti South Senatorial District, as our preferred aspirant/candidate.”
The meeting was attended by 177 Councilors, 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.
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 journalists 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.
The Adopted deputy governor, Prof Kolapo Olusola is a professor of Building Technology from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State.