state Chairman of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Otunba Segun Adewale has
expressed his displeasure over Ekiti state governor Ayodele Fayose’s unbridled
romance with leaders of the ruling party, the All Progressive Congress (APC).
In his reaction to an advertorial placed in the Punch newspaper on the 29th
March 2017, by the Ekiti State Governor to celebrate and eulogise Asiwaju Bola
Tinubu at 65, Adewale described such romance as unfortunate and a major blow on
the confidence of the grassroots members and supporters of the PDP.
In a release made available to journalists signed by the chairman, he lamented
how some leaders of the party, including Fayose, have completely sold out to
individuals within the ruling party at the detriment of the members.
“I am surprised that Governor Ayodele Fayose the Chairman of the PDP Governors
Forum could throw cautions to the wind and rub his alleged alliance with the
leadership of the ruling party in the south-west on our faces. As a leader and
beneficiary of the PDP goodwill, I expect him to clearly understand that
members and supporters are looking up to him and such unguided actions
demoralise them.”
Continuing, Adewale noted “No doubt, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu paid his dues towards
the success of APC in the last general elections. He deserves the admiration of
members of the ruling party for providing a responsible leadership within his
party. I want to advise Governor Fayose to emulate Bola Tinubu’s team spirit
and respect for party organs in his dealings within the PDP and not embark on
actions that may further demoralise our members. The political sagacity of
Tinubu is worthy of study by upcoming politicians. However, open
acknowledgement of Asiwaju doggedness that saw our party out of power in 2015
is a mockery on the PDP.
It will be recalled that Governor Ayodele Fayose was present at the
inauguration of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Ondo State some weeks ago and
enjoyed the company of APC leaders in attendance while he neglected the
welcoming party and thanksgiving service organised by the good people of Ondo
kingdom in honour of their son, former Governor Segun Mimiko.
“Unequivocally, the said advertorial is a confirmation of Governor Fayose’s
anti-party activities that have finally come to fore. I wonder how the APC
would have viewed such advertorial for former President Jonathan by former
Goverrnor Fashola or Governor Aregbesola for instance in the build up to the
2015 general election. Even during the first or second republic, no opposition
leader openly embraced Pa Awolowo despite awos popularity, achievements and
sagacity. The fact that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has done very well for himself and
his political party is not an excuse for Governor Fayose demonstration of
impunity and disregard to party loyalty”.
“It is an aberration for Governor Fayose to publicly acknowledge the role
played by Asiwaju in destroying PDP that made Fayose what he is today. It is
impossible to also forget the role played by Asiwaju Tinubu in the emergence of
President Buhari as the Nigerian President, a decision that has brought untold
economic hardship on Nigerians. Obviously, the choice of President Buhari
wasn’t in the interest of the people but for personal aggrandisement of a few
politicians”
Adewale insisted that the Fayose’s action is an open confrontation and an
attempt to undermine the PDP in the south-west. He appealed to members of the
Party to remain steadfast saying “I wish to sincerely appeal to our members not
to be deterred by actions targeted at damping their spirit as the storm is over
already. What we are seeing presently are last minutes efforts by a few wolf in
sheep skin struggling to have a safe landing now that the PDP has been returned
to the People by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, the National Chairman” he concluded.
