A Chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Ibadan, Oyo State, Elder Ismail Ashipa has said that the outcome of Southwest Zonal Congress of PDP had shown that the former Governor of Ekiti State still a powerful person in the party despite Governor Seyi Makinde’s influence and numbers of powerful proteges that he is controlling.
Ismail Ashipa said this in a piece of writing he made shortly after the announcement of result and emergence of Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja as the zonal chairman.
He said,”I never believed that the Fayose’s led opposition to the Oshogbo Congress was so powerful and strong till the final results were released which Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja won”.
“Let’s objectively checkout the analysis below.
*1. One serving Governor, Seyi Makinde.
*2. Two former Governors,
Prince Oyinlola Olagunsoye (Osun) and
Chief Segun Oni (Ekiti).
*3. Seven former Dep Governors
Omolade Oluwateru (Ondo),
Kofo Akerele-Bucknor (Lagos),
Sikiru Tae Lawal ,
Olusola Eleka and
Biodun Olujimi (Ekitis),
Olusola Obada (Osun) and
Taofeek Arapaja (Oyo).
All these people gave 343 Votes despite Gov Seyi Makinde coming to the congress with 165 delegates from Oyo State.
VS
*1. One former Governor, Ayo Fayose.
*2. One former deputy governor, Hazeem Gbolarumi (Oyo).
They polled 330 Votes.
The difference between 343 and 330 votes politically isn’t 13 but 7 votes.
Reduce 343 votes of Arapaja by 7 votes, you have 336 left. Now, add the 7 votes to 330 scored by Olafeso to make 337.
Governor Seyi Makinde, two former Governors and seven former deputy governors only defeated Fayose with SEVEN votes!
You can deduce from here where the real political strength lies.
And that is why, Governor Seyi Makinde must make that one call now for the good health of the PDP.
Ashipa don talk again o
