A former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Chief Gboyega Oguntuwase, shared that the party is working to reorganize and prepare itself to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in future elections.
Oguntuwase said on Thursday, October 3, that the PDP is focused on achieving its goals, even if ex-governor Ayodele Fayose, a PDP member, chooses to support the current governor, Biodun Oyebanji. Fayose had earlier voiced his support for Governor Oyebanji during the Udiroko Festival in August, praising the governor’s performance and endorsing him for a second term.
Speaking to journalists in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, Oguntuwase emphasized that instead of concentrating on suspending or expelling Fayose, the PDP would focus on rebuilding and repositioning itself for success.
“There are many other things that PDP takes more seriously than the issue of the conduct of Fayose,” Oguntuwase said. “What is important to us is that we must strategize on winning without him because he has said he would not be for us. That is more important than going to his ward to get him suspended or expelled. With that, we will be dignifying him. We do not have time for him; we have time for rebuilding our party.”
Oguntuwase also responded to allegations from Fayose’s loyalists that they were excluded from the composition of the state’s new caretaker committee. He stated that the PDP National Working Committee considered various factors when establishing the committee, and that Fayose’s complaints were baseless.
“Why Fayose is not happy is that he would have wanted to know everything about our plans towards the governorship so that he could undo us and expose our secret to the APC,” Oguntuwase explained. “He has clearly indicated that he would be for the opposition in the next election. He declared at every forum that Oyebanji should have another four years.”
According to Oguntuwase, having Mr. Dare Adeleke as the new caretaker committee chairman is encouraging for members committed to the party’s rebuilding efforts. He stated, “He has set up party caretaker committees in all the local governments and this will encourage us to start having a lot of activities which is very desirable. Those appointed are leaders who are already planning to help this caretaker committee in making sure that we have very effective grassroots campaigns.”
In summary, Oguntuwase expressed confidence that the PDP could reclaim its influence in Ekiti without Fayose’s support, as the party continues to strategize and work towards winning future elections.
