In a bid to reposition and forge a united front for the party ahead of the 2023 general election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, has commenced a move to bring back former governor Chief Segun Oni into its fold.
The party leaders who resolved to support the presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar also adopted the collegiate method towards reforming the party in preparation for the polls.
Oni, came second with 330 votes in the January 26 Ekiti PDP governorship primary election where former Chairman of the party, Otunba Bisi Kolawole polled 671 votes to pick the party ticket for last June 18, governorship election in the state.
The former governor who rejected the outcome of the primary had dumped the PDP for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to contest the governorship election proper.
He also came second in the election won by Mr Biodun Abayomi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) while PDP candidate, Kolawole came third.
Arising from a Stakeholders’ meeting in Ado-Ekiti, the PDP leaders and some members in the state resolved to mend fence with Oni, his supporters and others who left the party for one reason or the other.
In a communique released after the meeting, the party’s stakeholders resolved as follow: “Declared their total support for the PDP presidential candidate and former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, adding that all efforts would be geared in a bid to bring back members who left for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the build-up to the June 18 governorship poll including Chief Segun Oni”.
The communique signed by the state publicity secretary, Raphael Adeyanju said the meeting was jointly convened by former Deputy Governor, Professor Kolapo Olusola and ex-House of Representatives member, Adewale Aribisala .
“That the state of the party gives room for very serious concern, most especially the party’s horrendous third position, in the last governorship election, therefore, there is urgent need to re-strenghten the party in order to win subsequent general election in the state.
“That henceforth the party in Ekiti State, adopts a Collegiate Leadership style for the collective rescue mission of the party losses and liabilities.
“That the current style of One – Man-Show Leadership of Mr Ayo Fayose , is ineffective, totally primitive, outdated, bizarre, and utterly rejected.
“That our members that had earlier migrated to SDP are welcomed back to the party and great efforts shall be made to reach out to His Excellency, Engr Segun Oni.
“That members must continue to engage all others still outside the party, with a view to secure their cooperation towards the success of the Atiku Presidential Project”
The party added that leaders and members should commenced aggressive mobilization drive in their respective units and wards for the presidential candidate to be victorious during next February election.
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