..As Makinde Reacts
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has alleged that the Southwest Zonal Congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), held on Monday at Osogbo, Osun state was marred by over-voting.
According to him, Taofeek Arapaja, who has the support of Governor Seyi Makinde, won the election illegally.
The New Diplomat had reported that Arapaja, who is also a former deputy governor of Oyo State, scored 343 votes to defeat his rival, Dr. Eddy Olafeso, who was reportedly supported by Fayose.
However, Fayose, who had earlier agreed that Makinde is the ‘father’ of the PDP in Southwest, stated that he would overlook the over-voting because of the interest of the party.
According to him, the victory by Arapaja is for all the party members, “indeed we won together”, he said.
He also urged the party to explore the resources of both Olafeso and Arapaja, to reposition the party in the coming elections.
He stated that the two sides showed strength, adding that “this should be explored by the party, going forward.”
Fayose disclosed this on his official Twitter handle.
He tweeted, “Like I said in my speech at the beginning of the congress that we should win together and we have indeed won together.
“Whatever may be our reservations on the issue of over-voting, we have chosen to look at the larger picture, which is the PDP.
“We must therefore use our energy and resources to rebuild the party.
“Arapaja’s 343 and Olafeso’s 330 votes, has simply shown strength on the two sides, this should be explored by the party, going forward.
“I thank the National Working Committee (NWC) for helping to bring this congress behind us.”
Meanwhile, Makinde, on his part said the congress was peaceful and orderly.
Makinde, who took to his official Twitter handle congratulated Arapaja on his victory as the Zonal chairman of the party.
He also appreciated the organising committee of the Congress for the job done.
He tweeted, “Congratulations to Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja and other officials duly elected today. Our task of repositioning the @OfficialPDPNig begins now. I thank every participant as well as the organising committee of the PDP South-West Congress for a peaceful and orderly congress.”
