One of the two Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) members in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Oyedele Samuel Ajibola has declared his support for the governorship aspiration of Prince Dayo Adeyeye, saying; “In terms of political structure, academic qualifications, exposure, experience and political networks, Prince Dayo Adeyeye is the most sellable and formidable among the aspirants.”
Ajibola, who is representing Ekiti East Constituency II said in a letter addressed to President Goodluck Jonathan that, “Of all the aspirants from the South, I have come to the conclusion that Prince Dayo Adeyeye stands shoulder high above them.”
In the letter dated January 23, 2014, and titled; “Adoption of Prince Dayo Adeyeye as Ekiti PDP governorship candidate,” the lawmaker also declared support for zoning of the governorship position to the South Senatorial District of the State.
He said; “It is my opinion that the PDP governorship candidate should be zoned to the South Senatorial District, which has not produced any governor since Ekiti State was created.
“This position is based on what was agreed upon in 2005 under what was known then as the Ekiti North/South Agenda. It was based on the agenda that the Ekiti North the governorship in 2007 as both PDP and Action Congress (AC) as it was then fielded candidates from the North. By 2014, the North would have completed seven and half years (Segun Oni – three and half years, Fayemi – four years) and it will be natural that the next governor comes from the South.
“Most importantly, Chapter 1:7 Sub Section 3c of the PDP Constitution states that: ‘the party shall pursue its aims and objectives by adhering to the policy of rotation and zoning of party and public elective offices in pursuance of principle of equity, justice and fairness.’
“In the spirit of equity and fairness therefore, it is my conviction that the PDP governorship candidate should come from the South. This is more so that the APC will be fielding the incumbent governor, who is from the North.”
On why he opted for Adeyeye among the aspirants, Ajibola said; “As of today, Adeyeye has a strong political structure in all the 16 Local Councils and 177 Wards in the State. He also has an Elders Committee, which comprise of notable elders of the PDP. The Elders Committee is headed by 83-year old former Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Afolabi Ojuawo. The State chapter of the PDP National Youth Vanguard is also behind him.
“One of the major strengths of Prince Dayo Adeyeye is his intra-party support base. As one of the 13 Action Congress (AC) governorship aspirants that decamped to the PDP in 2006, Adeyeye, who came second behind Governor Fayemi in the AC primary election that led to the defection of 13 out of the 16 aspirants, most of the aggrieved members of the APC are willing to team up with him if he emerges PDP candidate.
“Most importantly, Adeyeye’s five-star performance when he was the Chairman of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has endeared him to the people. He introduced storey buildings that are now found throughout Ekiti State School in the State, and it was during his tenure that students of public schools in Ekiti public schools stopped carrying desks to school from their homes.
“In the last one year, Adeyeye has taken up the task of promoting and defending the Ekiti State PDP in the media. His campaign organisation has virtually become the mouthpiece of the party, and the voice of the voiceless in the State.
“In my capacity as one of the two members of the PDP in the State House of Assembly, I hereby recommend to Your Excellency that Prince Dayo Adeyeye be picked as our party’s governorship candidate.
“I have no doubt in my mind that with him (Adeyeye) as the PDP candidate, victory is sure for our party, and the Ekiti people, who are obviously tired of the present government in the State.”
