Encomium
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun West Senatorial district has refuted the report that it has adopted Hon. Abiodun Akinlade as a consensus candidate for the party’s 2015 gubernatorial ticket.
ENCOMIUM Weekly gathered during the week that Hon. Biodun Akinlade, the incumbent Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology got six of the seven votes by members of the committee set up by the party and headed by Senator Ayodele Otegbola.
However, the Secretary of the committee, Mr. Boye Adesina described the report as baseless and unfounded; adding that such rumour if not urgently curtailed could undermine the final report of the committee which is expected to be out in few days.
Mr. Boye Adesina, who spoke with journalists few days back, wondered why anyone would rush to the media with a biased report, when the panel is yet to conclude its sitting or take a final position.
“I was shocked when I heard the story. There is no adoption of any of the candidates and no result anywhere and I say this authoritatively,” he said.
“I’m not even expected to speak to the press until we conclude our task. I am doing so because we cannot allow wrong information spread without reacting.
“Obviously, those who feel their candidate should emerge are behind this falsehood but why would people attempt to jeopardize a process because they are promoting one name the scribe quipped.”
He reiterated that the committee was given a mandate by the senatorial leadership of the party to evaluate the aspirants and advice accordingly and that it will do without fear or favour.
Mr. Adesina further appealed to all camps concerned and party faithful to desist from making hurried statements that do no match the true state of happenings.
It would be recalled that the evaluation committee was formed to guide and moderate the political process of the Yewa-Awori people who are yet to have one of theirs elected as Ogun state governor.
Since the creation of the state in 1976, the position has eluded the zone. However, the other two senatorial districts (Ogun East and Ogun Central) have occupied the office at least seven times.
Breakdown shows that Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, an Ijebu, from Ogun East was elected governor in 1979 and 1983. Otunba Gbenga Daniel, a Remo also from Ogun East was elected governor twice in 2003 and 2007.
Also, Chief Olusegun Osoba an Egba from Ogun Central was elected Governor in 1992 and 1999.
Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the incumbent governor elected in 2011 is an Egba from Ogun Central. The committee pleaded with party loyalists to desist from acts that could bring enmity into the polity.
– DAYO RUFAI
