In preparation for the Zonal Congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the South-West, the Senator representing Ondo South, Nicholas Tofowomo, today, led other leaders of the party in Ondo State to pledge support for Dr Eddy Olafeso as National Vice Chairman and all other candidates presented by the group led by former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose.
The delegation, which visited Fayose in his Lagos residence, described his commitment and leadership credentials as “unrivalled, either in or out of office.”
Tofowomo, who spoke on behalf of the delegation said Ondo State PDP will not sacrifice the position of National Vice Chairman of the party for ordinary Ex-officio, vowing that Dr Eddy Olafeso will be returned as Zonal Chairman as well as other candidates of the group.
He further condemned what he described as the self-serving attitude of Governor Seyi Makinde, saying the governor “must be made to realize that Ondo State is independent of Oyo State and not tied to anyone’s apron strings.
“We in Ondo State are still regretting his role in the last governorship election as it remains one of the prime reasons we lost the election that was clearly for us to win.”
The Ondo State delegation, which declared support for the suspension of the Zonal Caretaker Committee Chairman, Hon Dayo Ogungbenro, demanded that other members of the Zonal Caretaker Committee must take full grip of the party in the Zone.
In the communique issued after the meeting, the PDP leaders said; “We leaders and Delegates to the South West Zonal Congress from Ondo State, recognizing the leadership of His Excellency, Dr Ayo Fayose, hereby pay a courtesy visit to him and also discuss issues pertaining to the progress of the Party in the South West.
“That we value our Party the Peoples Democratic Party and remain committed to its ideals, desires and goals.
“We believe in the leadership of His Excellency, Dr Ayo Fayose for his exemplary qualities, commitment and vision in developing the Party.
“The delegation wishes to thank His Excellency, Dr Ayo Fayose for his support for Ondo State by supporting the original formular that ceded the National Vice Chairman and Zonal Publicity Secretary to Ondo State.
We further thank him for his support for Dr Eddy Olafeso in his first tenure.
“That we respect and proudly associate and align with Dr Ayo Fayose and other leaders of the Zone who remain focused and committed to the Party.”
Reacting, Fayose declared that as he has always been, he will remain steadfast and loyal to the party, saying that the narrative that he was working for APC was being promoted by those in Governor Makinde’s group for reasons best known to them.
He said Governor Makinde must desist from insulting him, adding that any further insult from the governor will be responded to appropriately.
Fayose said; “it is Makinde’s choice and latitude to remain a captive of his court jesters and numerous sycophants around him, but must be careful and no longer attack him.”
Apart from Senator Tofowomo, others in the delegation were former State Chairman of the party, Hon Ebenezer Alabi, who represented the Senator representing Ondo Central, Ayo Akinyelure, former House of Reps member, Hon Lad Ojomo, Dr Eddy Olafeso, Hon Rasheed Elegbeleye, Hon Festus Akingbaso, Chief Tunde Akindehin, Hon Saka Lawal. Hon Idowu Ogunmade, Hon Niyi Ogungbuji, Chief Ibini Oyedele, among others.
