War of words among chieftains of PDP in Ekiti over Eleka’s imposition
The adoption of the deputy governor of Ekiti state, Olusola Eleka as the sole candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in the 2018 governorship election has attracted criticisms from the party’s political gladiators.
The criticisms were from the deputy minority whip in the Senate, Abiodun Olujimi and the People’s Democratic Party National Publicity Secretary, Dayo Adeyeye among others.
Others who kicked against Eleka’s emergence as the People’s Democratic Party anointed candidate include the immediate past Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Owoseni Ajayi and former secretary to the state government, Dare Bejide.
Olujimi, who is the lawmaker representing Ekiti south senatorial district said, Olusola Eleka’s adoption, remained a political taboo and a breach of the party’s guidelines.
Olujimi, was a former deputy to the incumbent governor Ayo Fayose between 2003 and 2006.
She accused Governor Ayo Fayose of the brain behind the adoption of Olusola Eleka.
The relationship between the two People’s Democratic Party leaders got frosty when Fayose allegedly suspended two serving lawmakers in the state who were suspected to be working towards Olujimi’s political ambition in 2018.
Similarly, national spokesman of People’s Democratic Party, Dayo Adeyeye insisted that party’s stakeholders in the state should not have adopted Mr. Eleka considering the number of aspirants jostling for the governorship ticket.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti, Mr. Adeyeye expressed his complete rejection of the development.
He equally fingered governor Fayose of writing the script upon which the party’s stakeholder was acting.
However, the special assistant to governor Fayose on public communications and new media, Mr. Lere Olayinka said, the decision to adopt Mr. Eleka was reached after a wide consultation.
Olusola Eleka, from the south senatorial district, was yesterday adopted as the People’s Democratic Party sole candidate for the 2018 governorship polls in Ekiti state at an event held at the government house in Ado.