For the umpteenth time, the leading governorship aspirant on the platform of the Official Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Nigeria (PDP) in Ekiti State, Chief Segun Oni, has restated his commitment to a Southern successor if given the opportunity to govern the state again.
Oni, however, pleaded for the understanding of the people that only a party in power in Ekiti could make a deliberate decision to pick a southern successor and use resources to get it done.
The PDP governorship hopeful has repeatedly said that he is committed to one remaining term arrangement and a southern successor if he is picked by his party and elected by the people.
Oni had recently said on Channels Television that “the Southern agitations are in a way, right and fair.
“If I am governor, I can muster the resources of the state; I can put it behind anybody from the South and say let us try.”
But according to Oni, the superior push for a governor from the South was an option that may be limited to the party in power, because since 1999 every zone had contested the governorship seat in Ekiti.
“If I have an opportunity to be in power, of course, we can deliberately go back to the south for a successor.
“I don’t fool around; when I say things I mean them. I will push for a southern successor,” said.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Segun Oni Campaign Team, Yemi Arokodare, has asked the public to ignore rumours that Segun Oni may consider doing a second term if elected as governor.
“Chief Segun Oni served the people of Ekiti State meritoriously between 2007 and 2010, and that is why the people are yearning for his return and praying for his emergence as the PDP candidate.
“He is committed to the one more term left if given the opportunity, and he will be very deliberate about the Southern agenda.
“Segun Oni is a team player and conscientious politician; he will work with the other aspirants to win Ekiti for the PDP,” he assured.
Arokodare said the clarification had become necessary to correct falsehoods and allay fears and concerns in some quarters.