The power tussle between former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose and incumbent Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde on who controls the South-West of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been settled democratically.
Penpushing reports that at the delegates conference of the party held on Monday in Ibadan, the choice candidate of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Taofeeq Arapaja defeated the candidate of Ayodele Fayose, who is Eddy Olafeso to emerge the National Vice Chairman(South-West) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The elected National Vice Chairman, who is a former Deputy Governor in Oyo State recorded 343 votes against his rival, Olafeso who is the immediate past National Vice Chairman of the party in the zone, who polled 330 votes.
Penpushing further reports that, the Chairman of the Electoral Panel, Governor Samuel Ortom, represented by his Deputy, Benson Abounu, while announcing the results disclosed that 675 votes were cast out of which 10 were voided.
The election umpire commended the spirit of sportsmanship exhibited by the contestants and the delegates for making the process free, fair and peaceful, while in his reaction to the victory Arapaja assured that both camps would work together to move the party forward.
“We thank Governor Seyi Makinde and Mr Ayo Fayose. PDP is our party. We will work together to move the party forward. We want to reposition the party and I will work with my brother Olafeso to achieve our aims,” .
Penpushing also reports that, the defeated candidate on his part promised to work with the newly elected National Vice Chairman and called on him(Arapaja) to work in moving the party forward.
“The storm is over, there is a new beginning for our party.We have to thank God almighty that despite odds, there is a new beginning for our party. The time is now. I thank everybody who supported me,” Olafeso said.
Penpushing reports that, Governor Makinde in his remarks described the congress as a family affair and also an attempt to reposition the party in the South-West, while Fayose in his own reactions pointed out that the issue of the congress was circumstantial, adding that “Makinde is our leader.’’
Meanwhile, the tow power brokers in the party earlier in their opening speeches before the congress promised to accept whoever emerges as the South-West Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman.
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