PDP Zonal Crisis: Faction Warns Makinde Against Causing Division
The schism in the South-West zonal caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a turn for the worse as a faction of the party in the zone admonishes Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to stop causing division.
This was as the faction affirmed its endorsement of Dr Eddy Olafeso-led executive as the candidates for the zonal congress of the party, coming up on March 6.
Governor Makinde and other leaders of the party had, earlier today held a meeting at the Government House, Ibadan where they endorsed a former deputy governor of the state, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, as their candidate for the congress.
However, the faction opposed to Makinde, and believed to be loyal to former Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayo Fayose, endorsed the Dr Olafeso-led zonal exco and should this be elected at the forthcoming congress.
Rising from its meeting in Lagos, the caucus, in a communique signed by the zonal secretary, Daisi Akintan and chairmen of Lagos, Osun, Ogun and Ekiti states, Adedeji Doherty, Sunday Bisi, Dr Sikirulai Ogundele and Otunba Bisi Kolawole, respectively, called on Governor Makinde to desist from causing division in the party by allegedly creating parallel excos in some states.
The communique read: “We members of the zonal caucus of the party in the South-West, pursuant to Section 27(5) as amended in 2017, here gathered deliberated on the fortunes of the party and particularly with emphasis to place it on sound footing in our zone and resolves as follows:
“That we stand firmly by the resolutions of the Ibadan meeting of 12 March, 2020, affirming the return of Dr Eddy Olafeso as zonal chairman; Rev Bunmi Jenyo as zonal secretary, among others, believing that as matured and sincere party members, resolutions and agreements are sacrosanct and must always be respected.
“That sequel to the above, we are committed to respecting the zoning agreement, as conclusively agreed to at the meeting and furthermore endorsing the candidature of Dr Eddy Olafeso and all other members of his executive or new additions injected into the list by leaders of the respective states.
“That we hereby direct/appeal to our delegates to vote accordingly for all our aspirants as we are confident in their ability to steer the ship of the party successfully.
“That we call on the Oyo State governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, to stop acting like Governor-General of the South-West Zone and desist from causing division in the party by setting up parallel state excos in some states.
“That our vision and desire is to see the PDP thrive in the South-West Zone and win elections.
“That sequel to the above, the underlisted people have been approved as candidates for election at the zonal congress.
“Dr Eddy Olafeso, national vice chairman; Rev. Bunmi Jenyo, zonal secretary; Hon Bakene Fasiu Adewale, zonal organising secretary; Mr Femi Adetola, Youth Leader; Mrs Abimbola Lanre Balogun, Woman Leader; Mr Oke Ojo Micheal, Treasurer; Engineer Balogun Kolawole Ayuba, Auditor; Mr Dosu Babatunde, Legal Adviser; Mr Ayo Fadaka, zonal publicity secretary and Philip Olabode Aivoji, financial secretary.
“Zonal ex-officio are Yeye Agnes Shobajo (Lagos), Fagbayigbo Adeola (Ondo), Adesina Adeboye Semiu (Ogun), Mrs Taiwo Abiola Mubo (Oyo) and Mr Akinade Jimoh (Osun).
“National ex-officio members are Mr Michael Okunlade (Oyo), Arowolo Oluwole Johnson (Ondo), Captain Tunji Shelle (Rtd) (Lagos), Hon Abayomi Nureni Tella (Ogun), Alabi George Ibitayo (Osun) and Mrs Monisola Omotosho (Ekiti).”
