Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Ayodele Fayose and other notable stakeholders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State have declared that they will work together for the presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar, and the National Assembly and State House of Assembly candidates to win in the 2023 general election.
Fayose, who declared that the party would rise again in Nigeria and in particular, Ekiti State, said that although he is in Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike’s camp, nothing would make him join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said, “A lot has been said, but, like I have said many times, let me state it here expressly again that I will never join APC for whatever reason.
“In all the issues we are having as a party, no one has said that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is not our presidential candidate. No one has said too that Dr Ifeanyi Okowa is not our party’s vice presidential candidate.
“Also, we have Senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates here. Among them is my biological son, Joju and others who are my political sons and daughters. My interest is that all these candidates should win elections.
“Therefore, I am appealing to those who are angry to stop being angry. Those who are fighting should stop fighting. Let us face the 2023 elections together and win first. After that, we can resume the fight.”
Also speaking, the party’s candidate in the last governorship election, Hon. Bisi Kolawole, thanked the party members for their support during the election.
He said, “even though we lost, I am still grateful to the party for the opportunity and I wish to urge all the party stakeholders to close ranks so that together, we will rise again.”
The State Acting Chairman, Hon. Lanre Omolase, who spoke on behalf of the State Working Committee members, affirmed their belief in Fayose’s leadership, saying that those plotting against him should sheath their sword in the interest of the party candidates who are standing for elections next year.