Main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party has released the list of candidates cleared by its screening committee for the April 12 South-West Zonal Congress expected to produce the party’s executive in the region.
The list is coming just as two former friends; Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and a former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, intensify efforts as to who gains the upper hand in the control of the 756 delegates that will elect officials of the Peoples Democratic Party in the South-West on Monday.
While Makinde is backing a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Taofeek Arapaja, for the position of chairman, Fayose is mobilising for Dr Eddy Olafeso.
Olafeso, who is from Ondo State, is a former occupant of the office.
He resigned to contest the party’s governorship ticket in the last Ondo State election, which he lost to Eyitayo Jegede (SAN).
Makinde had wanted the congress to hold in Ibadan, but the Fayose faction wanted it in another venue, saying the Oyo State capital was not safe for it and its supporters.
However, two days ago, the National Working Committee of the party announced Osogbo, Osun State as the venue of the congress after it met with both factions.
A document, signed by the National Organisation Secretary of the party, Col. Austin Akobundu, and obtained by our correspondent on Sunday evening, indicated that a former deputy governor of Oyo State, Taofeek Arapaja, and the immediate zonal chairman of the party, Dr. Eddy Olafeso, would contest the chairmanship position.
The document also stated that Chief Rahman Owokoniran and Jenyo Bunmi, had been cleared to contest the position of the zonal secretary.
Others are, Ogunye Omotoyosi and Oke Michael (Treasurer); Amuwa Adegbenro and Bakenne Adewale (Zonal Organising Secretary); and Olusanya Adefarati and Fadaka Ayodele (Zonal Publicity Secretary).
The party also cleared Messrs Adewoyin Babatunde and Aivoji Olabode for the position of zonal financial secretary while Messrs Babatunde Samuel and Monsuru Kukoyi would contest the position of the zonal legal adviser.
Three members, Messrs Dominic Adegbola, Balogun Ayuba and Adeola Adewunmi were cleared to contest the zonal auditor’s position while Modinat Adedibu and Abimbola Lanre-Balogun would contest as the zonal women leader.
The document also indicated that the party has cleared Bamidele Abiola and Adetola Femi had been cleared to contest the zonal youth leader’s position.
