…PDP’s Operation Take-Over SouthWest Begins
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has certified the return of former governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Peter Ayo Fayose, granting him waiver “to enjoy all rights and privileges of a member of the PDP without let or hindrance.”
Also in a move that aims to signal an inroad into southwest states, the party has constituted a 32 man National Campaign Committee for the forthcoming Gubernatorial Election in Ondo State headed by the Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo.
Fayose, who governed Ekiti state between 2003 and 2006, fell out with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, leading to Fayose’s impeachment and ejection from the party.
He has since entered into a marriage of convenience with the opposition particularly the ACN in the southwest and worked vigorously against the PDP in the region.
Sources within the PDP hierarchy told pointblanknews.com that the readmission of Fayose who became a torn in the flesh of the Party in the southwest at the height of his disaffection with the party, was a reflection of the party’s desire to regain the south west, which they lost after the 2007 elections.
The source noted that the party is determined to reclaim those states, especially Lagos, capitalising on the not too rosy relationship between the leader of the ACN, Bola Tinubu and his protege and incumbent governor, Babtunde Fashola.
The source stressed that the party is bent on uniting the party in the region so as to present a formidable force in the take over bid.
Recall that President Jonathan in the wake of their overwhelming defeat in Edo state lamented the near annihilation of the party in the southwest.
He had also hosted former PDP governors of the south west states reassuring them that they have not been abandoned.
Whether or not this is a reflection of Jonathan’s move to consolidate his political stronghold particularly in the southwest ahead of 2015, as a result of his strained relationship with president Obasanjo, his god father, is yet unknown.
However, according to the release by the PDP spokesman Oliseh Metu “the NWC ratified the readmission of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ayo Fayose into the Party with effect from 14th September 2011. The NWC also approved a waiver for Dr. Fayose in line with the provision of Article 8(a) and Article 17.2 (g) of the PDP Constitution with effect from 14th September 2011.
“By this action, Dr. Fayose is cleared to enjoy all rights and privileges of a member of the PDP without let or hindrance.
“The NWC also approved the Constitution of a National Campaign Committee for the forthcoming Gubernatorial Election in Ondo State.
“The 32 member Committee of eminent Nigerians has the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Arc. Mohammed Namadi Sambo, GCON as Chairman while the National Legal Adviser, Barrister Victor Kwon is the Secretary.
“The Committee shall be inaugurated by the National Chairman, Alhaji Dr. Bamanga Tukur in due course.”