As preparations for the 2015 governorship elections in Oyo State draws near, no fewer than 10 governorship aspirants have emerged under the big umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
One of the aspirants Seyi Makinde, who spoke with Leadership on Sunday in Ibadan, revealed that President Goodluck Jonathan has not anointed any aspirants for the impending governorship election in the state.
Makinde, who described Jonathan as a democrat, said the reason for his (Jonathan) action is because, he believed so much in the electoral process of the PDP primaries.
The gubernatorial aspirant also hinted that Jonathan prefers the party’s candidate to emerge from the primaries.
Speaking on the issue of ten aspirants vying under the PDP, he expressed optimism that the development is not frightening, and assured that it was very healthy for the party.
The aspirants comprised the former Governor of the state, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, Engineer Femi Babalola, an Ibadan-based business man, Prof. Soji Adejumo, former State Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Board, Azeem Gbolarumi, former Deputy Governor of the state, Seyi Makinde, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, the Minister of State, FCT, Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja, former Deputy governor, Senator Teslim Folarin, former Senate leader, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja former Minister of Sports, and others.
As part of preparations to ensure victory in the forthcoming governorship election in Oyo State the PDP on September 4, 2014, the Chairman of the Southwest chapter of the party,Chief Isola Filani, was removed by the Zonal Executive Committee of the party. It was also reported on July 9, 2014, that the newly elected Governor of Ekiti, Ayodele Fayose, held a rally with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders, at Watershed Events’ Centre, Old Ife Road, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital in a bis to mobilise support for the party’s aspirants.
