The Ekiti State All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders’ Forum has thrown its weight behind governorship zoning to Ekiti South to ensure equity, justice and fair play among the three senatorial districts.
This formed the kernel of a forum organized by a group, Itesiwaju Ekiti, a political platform of a former member of the House of Representatives and a governorship aspirant, Hon. Bamidele Faparusi, in Ode-Ekiti, headquarters of Gbonyin Local Government Area.
Members of the group had an interface with the APC elders where they canvassed the need to support Ekiti South’s desire to produce the next governor, for the first time in the history of the state since it was created, almost 21 years ago.
The forum led Chief George Akosile, at the meeting said the demand by Ekiti South to win the governorship seat was a legitimate one which should be supported by all.
Faparusi said the step taken by the elders was commendable, adding that such would help in stabilizing the APC ahead of the poll.
“This action is commendable. Our party needs elders who can speak the truth not minding whose ox is gored.
“If you check the political trajectory since 1999, the Ekiti South has not produced the governor. The duo of Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Governor Ayodele Fayose are from the Central. Former Governors Kayode Fayemi and Segun Oni are from the North. So, it is only fair to give the South a chance in 2018.
“This situation happened in Anambra State before 2013. The Anambra North was not allowed to produce the governor but when elders of that state met, they pleaded and the present governor, Chief Willie Obiano was given the chance.
“In any pluralistic society like Nigeria, ethnicity, religion and territorial location played prominent role in determining leadership positions, particularly the one that is as high as governorship.
“The agitation from the South was only normal and it will be political wise for the National Working Committee to listen to this voice of reasoning, so that winning the election can be easier”, he said.
Another prominent member of Itesiwaju Ekiti and former Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon Churchill Adedipe, urged the APC “to see zoning as a critical weapon that can be deployed to defeat the PDP in 2018.”
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