EKITI 2018: Bombshell As Apc Leaders Ask Oni, Jkf Not to Re-Contest

 Against the backdrop of Engr Segun Oni’s preparation to
officially declare his governorship intention on July 17, 2018, prominent leaders
of the All Progressive Congress (APC), have told him to shelve the idea in the
interest of the party.

The leaders also enjoined the former Governor of the State
and Minister of Solid Mineral, Dr Kayode Fayemi not to join the governorship
race. They admonished the two former governors to emulate the first civilian
governor of the State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo by playing fatherly roles.

This bombshell was released in the presence of the three
former governors of the State on Saturday at the premises of General Robert
Adebayo in Iyin Ekiti. The three former governors are; Otunba Niyi Adebayo,
Engr Segun Oni and  Dr John Kayode
Fayemi. They are all leaders if APC in Ekiti State.

Blowing the whistle at the very crucial meeting was the
veteran politician and pioneer Senatorial Chairman of Ekiti central under the
Alliance for Democracy (AD), Chief Femi Oyebanjo. He urged Oni and Fayemi to
emulate Otunba Niyi Adebayo who had chosen to not to re-contest for the
governorship again as a worthy leader of the party in the State. The Aro of
Idao popularly known as “The Boy” observed  that God had already elevated the trio
politically and as such they should develop the upcoming generation.

Another prominent leader who spoke in a clear terms was
Chief Tejioye from Ikun Ekiti in Moba local government. He described the
position of the Deputy National Chairman of a ruling party as more honourable
prestigious than coming to Ekiti to join the fray of governorship race which he
said would heat up the polity.

It will be recalled that Engr Segun Oni first dropped the
hint of joining the guber race at a feast organized by the Special Adviser to
the President, Senator Babafemi Ojudu in his Ado country home early this year.
Since then many of his followers have engaged in a battle of wits with the
supporters of another contestant over his dual status.

Meanwhile, Dr Kayode Fayemi has never, at any  time, declared any intention to contest the
2018 Governorship election. He had only maintained that the June 14, 2014
governorship election was an “uncompleted assignment”

However, there have been speculations that the minister is
still eyeing the governorship seat following the subterranean moves by some of
his followers in making consultations with the leaders across the State over
the possibility of Fayemi’s joining the race.

This crucial meeting which was the first of its kind to
deliberate on the 2018 governorship election was to be attended by two selected
leaders from each of the 16 local government areas of the State but some
supporters of governorship aspirants were sighted at the meeting. Some of them
are: the Director General of Segun Oni’s campaign Dr Ife Arowosoge and Senator
Tony Adeniyi.

The State Chairman of the party, Chief Jide Awe was not left
out at this meeting while the Chairman of Afenifere Socio cultural group, Elder
Yemi Alade, Efon Alaaye Community leader, Chief Alake and Ado Ekiti Community
leader, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi were also present.

Speaking at the occasion, Otunba Adebayo reiterated that he
was neutral and that he had no vested interest in any of the governorship
aspirants. He said that there would be a level playing ground for the
aspirants. He called on the aspirants to first of all develop the party on
which platform they wished to contest because if there was no party there
couldn’t be an aspirant.

Many issues affecting the party ranging from national
appointments to the running of the party were discussed and the Minister
assured them that members would benefit more dividends of democracy in the
coming months.