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From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
The former governor of Rivers State and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has thrown his weight behind Dr Wole Oluyede, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State.
Recall days after an Appellate Court, affirmed Oluyede as the governorship candidate of the PDP for the June poll, some members of the PDP loyal to Wike in Ekiti State, refused to recognise Oluyede as the party’s flag bearer for the election, they cited that he was produced by the Tanimu Turaki-led group.
With the event, the camp loyal to Wike in the state’s PDP can therefore change their stance and embrace Oluyede as the party’s candidate for the June 20 poll.
A statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Wole Oluyede Campaign Organisation, Idowu Adelusi, on Monday, in Ado-Ekiti, said that the development followed a high-level strategic meeting in Abuja, where Wike who is described as a formidable force in Nigerian politics, pledged his unwavering support for Oluyede, and vowed to ensure that the candidate secures victory in the forthcoming election.
The campaign organisation further said that “the outcome of the meeting has effectively positioned the PDP in the state as one big family and as a united and dominant force ahead of the poll.”
It added that “the endorsement of Oluyede by Wike has triggered panic in the camp of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, in the state.”
In a similar development, hundreds of grassroots supporters from Ikere-Ekiti, the hometown of Oluyede, on Sunday, paid a solidarity visit to Oluyede at his Ikere residence.
The supporters comprising men and women from all quarters in the town, were received by the wife of the PDP candidate, Mrs Kemi Oluyede, who they described as their “Iyalode.”
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The big residence was filled with supporters who pledged their loyalty to Oluyede’s candidacy.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the Onibedo of Ikere-Ekiti, Engr Adepoju Dada Dare, said their visit was to openly identify with the Oluyede family and to demonstrate their unflinching support for the PDP candidate.
“We are here to show our support for Dr Wole Oluyede. Both men and women are here present. Oluyede has what it takes to govern Ekiti State and he will lift the people out of poverty and hardship if elected. We are fully committed to ensuring that he emerges victorious at the poll,” he said.
One of the women leaders, Mrs. Dupe Alawe, in her remarks, promised to mobilise extensively for Oluyede’s success in the election.
In her response, Mrs. Kemi Oluyede, appreciated the supporters for the gesture and urged them to convert their love for the candidate into votes on election day.and assured them of continued engagements and support.
The group highlighted her long-standing support for the community, and pledged to reciprocate by rallying wider grassroots support for the PDP candidate.
