PDP Chieftains In Oyo State Trade Words Over Choosing Of Consensus Governorship Candidate

Misunderstanding In Oyo State Chapter Of PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State might be facing the same problem it dealt with in 2015, over the decision by some chieftains in the party in the Oyo South Senatorial District, allegedly endorsing one of the gubernatorial aspirants of the party, Engr Seyi Makinde as the party’s flag bearer in the 2019 election.

Report revealed that the move to endorse makinde as the sole candidate of the party in the 2019 election was taken at a meeting held at the party’s secretariat, Molete in Ibadan the state capital.

Hon. Remi Ayodele, former Chairman of Ibadan North West local government, who represented Ibadan zone, was said to have moved the motion to anoint Makinde as the sole candidate, and Hon. Moses Ojoawo, who represented chieftains from Ibarapa zone, stated that they were compelled by their constituencies to table the motion.

Party members in attendance at the meeting include, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, Alhaja Bose Adedibu, PDP Senatorial Chairman, Sir Samuel Olawuwo and Secretary of the party, Hon. Wasiu Adeleke.

But, PDP spokesman, Mr Lukman Agboluaje, while reacting, however described the said endorsement as a charade and a huge joke.

Agboluaje added that the said endorsement does not follow due process.

He said such decision cannot be taken when some stalwarts of the party among whom were former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Azeem Gbolarumi, Barrister Lana, Hon. Muraina Ajibola, Senator Kamorudeen Adedibu and other prominent leaders from the district were absent.

Agbokuaje, in a statement said, “This is a charade as it did not follow even the minimum condition of due process of arriving at a candidate as critical and genuine stakeholders from the senatorial district were deliberately sidelined.

“Even some of the leaders that were present were not privy to the meeting’s agenda as none was made available to them prior to this impromptu arrangement. For example, a gubernatorial aspirant, Engineer Femi Babalola who was reportedly lured to the meeting was amazed at the turn of event.

“We want to make it categorically clear that the Oyo State PDP gubernatorial ticket is not for sale. We are also using this medium to appraise our members that we have a rebranded P.D.P which has departed from its shameful past where leaders sold the destiny of their followers for a mess of porridge. Those who still cling to the past are reminded that the political terrain has changed.

“When the time comes the choice of the party flag bearer shall follow due process in accordance to its constitution and electoral guidelines.

“We are therefore appealing to our loyal party members to remain calm and await the directives of genuine organs and leaders of the party that are constitutionally saddled with this responsibility.“