The former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Professor Kolapo Olusola, popularly known as Eleka, has reacted to the endorsement of Otunba Bisi Kolawole as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate by former governor, Ayodele Fayose.
Recall that Eleka boss, Fayose, on Saturday had dropped him for Bisi Kolawole in the forthcoming governorship election in Ekiti State.
Fayose, who singlehandedly endorsed the current State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otunba Bisi Kolawole as his candidate for the 2022 governorship election.
Fayose said “I painstakingly elect to support Bisi Kolawole because he is eminently qualified, a rallying point and a bridge builder. But it is still an open race for all aspirants.
“In due course, the party will conduct primary for them all.
“However, for me today, it is #BisiKolawole for Governor.
“To my Political ‘Sons’ (Aspirants) and followers of the Osoko Political Assembly, it could have been ‘you’ but the will of God be done. Your time too will surely come.
“As a leader, I reserve the right to a choice and decision to which I have humbly made”, Fayose said.
In reacting to the development, Professor Eleka said his boss had favoured him in the 2018 election and he cannot be grieved by the endorsement of Otunba Bisi Kolawole as the PDP governorship candidate.
He said “I’m not and cannot be grieved by this. H E had also similarly favoured me in the recent past. My coming out to indicate my interest in the 2022 gubernatorial contest is based on Divine leading and not just on personal human ambition.
“I’m constrained to seek God’s face on every subsequent action and until I received anything to the contrary, the aspiration remains intact”
See the full statement…
“Good day distinguished sons and daughters of our beloved state, Ekiti State.
“First and foremost, I want to thank all those who have reached out to me in the last couple of days over the recent events rocking the foundation of our Party. I do not take your love for granted. It is a great honour seeing the volume of love and concerns being shown by these loved ones. May God Almighty remember you and continue to bless you in all your undertakings.
“The events of the past few days have generated serious ripples in our party and among members of the party, particularly after the endorsement of the current Party Chairman, Hon. Bisi Kolawole as the preferred aspirant by our leader, former governor Peter Fayose ahead of the party’s primaries, which has given birth to questions challenging the morality and legality of the process that led to the decision. I had taken time off to reflect on the issues involved and following biblical injunction that exhorts us to be quick in hearing but slow in speaking or reacting.
“I sincerely acknowledge H E’ s leadership role and right in the choice and endorsement of Hon Bisi Kolawole as the most preferred aspirant from Osoko Political Assembly. I’m not and cannot be grieved by this. H E had also similarly favoured me in the recent past. My coming out to indicate my interest in the 2022 gubernatorial contest is based on Divine leading and not just on personal human ambition. I’m constrained to seek God’s face on every subsequent actions and until I received anything to the contrary, the aspiration remains intact.
“Whatever happens, H. E, Peter Fayose remains my leader, whom I have adored and respected in my humble capacity as his deputy for 4years; who in-turn believes in my capability to lead our state and provide good governance for the Fountain of Knowledge. H E should be rest assured that by God’s grace, my respect and honour for his person and leadership can not diminish. As a matter of right, he has spoken on his choice and preference concerning who flags the party’s gubernatorial ticket this time around and also on the right of other aspirants to pursue further their ambition if they so desire. In all these, may God’s will be done.
“Notwithstanding, I have resolved that I will continue to maintain a cordial relationship with my boss because I have learnt and will continue to learn so much from him. Therefore, I appeal to all my supporters never to disrespect our leader, Dr Ayo Fayose. As Omoluabi, we shall continue to show him deserving respect even as we strategically and logically pursue our aspirations.
“One of the things that I have learnt from and under H. E Peter Ayodele Fayose is the fact that “power is never served a la carte”. This event of endorsement is a stepping stone for us in our desire and quest to build a virile party and an enviable future for our dear State.
“Consequent to the above, I call on all party leaders, stakeholders and supporters not to relent in their support for our aspiration.
“Nothing good comes easily but I am promising that together, we shall build a prosperous state for ourselves and generations yet to come.
“Thank you.
“God bless you.
“God bless our leader, Osokomole.
“God Bless the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
“Prof. Kolapo Olusola Eleka, former deputy governor, Ekiti State”.