Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, has emerged as the adopted consensus candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2018 governorship election.
Adoption of the deputy governor, who is a professor of Building Technology from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, was the major decision reached at the party’s stakeholders meeting in Ado Ekiti today.
Olusola, an indigene of Ikere Ekiti, which is the second largest town in Ekiti, was adopted before the commencement of a retreat organised for members to sensitise them ahead of the 2018 election.
The meeting was attended by serving and former members of the PDP State Working Committee, members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, chieftains of the party at the 16 local governments and 177 wards, as well as chairmen and members of Boards and Parastatals, among others.
The communique issued at the end of the meeting read, “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.”
Those who signed the communique are Anifowose Mustapha for councillors; Alhaji Amuda Sunmonu for Ward chairmen; Mr. Femi Bamisile for Local Government Party Chairmen; Dapo Olagunju for Association of Local Government Chairmen; Senator Bode Ola for Chairmen of Boards and Parastatals; Dr. Modupe Alade (Secretary to the State Government) for State Executive Council; Speaker Kolawole Oluwawole for EKHA and the State Chairman of the party, Chief Gboyega Oguntuase.
Speaking with journalists after the adoption,State Chairman of the PDP 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 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 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 that “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.
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