Ekiti 2022: Cracks in Osoko’s camp; Fayose drops his deputy

The camp of the former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, is in disarray on Saturday as the former governor dropped his deputy, Professor Kolapo Olusola Eleka for Bisi Kolawole in forthcoming governorship election in Ekiti State.

Fayose, who singlehandedly endorsed the current State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otunba Bisi Kolawole as his candidate for the 2022 governorship election.

The former governor, who visited Kolawole’s residence in Efon-Alaaye Ekiti on Saturday, told him to be his candidate and advised other aspirants to support him.

Fayose said “I painstakingly elect to support Bisi Kolawole because he is eminently qualified, a rallying point and a bridge builder. But it is still an open race for all aspirants.

“In due course, the party will conduct primary for them all.

“However, for me today, it is #BisiKolawole for Governor.

“To my Political ‘Sons’ (Aspirants) and followers of the Osoko Political Assembly, it could have been ‘you’ but the will of God be done. Your time too will surely come.

“As a leader, I reserve the right to a choice and decision to which I have humbly made”, Fayose said.

The former governor further told Otunba Bisi Kolawole to remain focused.

He said for now, the primary assignment of the State Chairman, is to continue to lead the party and bring everyone together.

“Bisi Kolawole never asked me for support to be governor, but I was led to do so considering his pedigree as a unifying force, whose name and antecedent can take the party to victory in 2022.

“I congratulate him and his family,” Fayose said.

Fayose’s Media Aide, Mr. Lere Olayinka, confirmed the news on a WhatsApp platform, “Ekiti Kini today”.

“My name is Lere Oyinka, I am supporting Bisi Kolawole. DAZZOL,” he said.

Other aspirants contesting for governorship election under Osoko group includes; Professor Olusola Eleka, the former deputy governor of the state and governorship candidate in 2018, former House of Representatives member, Hon Segun Adekola, Ex-local government chairman, Deji Ogunsakin and Hon Ayodele Oladimeji.

Aspirants that have been campaigning for the state’s governorship election aside Osoko group are Engineer Segun Oni, Hon. Aribisala, and Hon. Kayode Adaramodu.

In reacting to the development, the former lawmaker and governorship aspirant, Segun Adekola said he have no option than to support the decision of the former governor. He advised his supporters to support the decision of Fayose.

He said “I want to sincerely congratulate and rejoice with our indefatigable Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Chief Bisi Kolawole (BISIKAY) on his endorsement as the Party candidate ahead of next year governorship election in the state.

“As one of the governorship aspirants who has also aligned with the thoughtful decision of our generalissimo, I have clearly informed my esteemed supporters that the decision of the former governor, my political father and benefactor, Dr Ayodele Fayose stands and remains valid above my personal interest and there is no cause for alarm.

“Meanwhile, I believe that the decision of our supreme leader was taken in the best interest of our great party.

“Osoko is always calculative and has often displayed his native intelligence along political prowess in taking favourable decisions for all before now.

“Therefore, I urge my co-aspirants within the party to reason along with the Don in the game as we gather momentum to take over the government come 2022. This is a collective responsibility and we must stay together to win together irrespective of our differences and personal interest.

“Osoko Leads, We Follow.

“God bless OPA

“God bless Ekiti PDP!, Adekola said.

At the time of filling this report, other aspirants in the Osoko Political Assembly(OPA) have not made any statement.

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