God will choose my successor, says Fayose

Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has said he is discussing with Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) potential aspirants “to allow me seek God’s consent” on the choice of a successor.



He said since aspirants have the right to aspire for the No. 1 seat, he (Fayose) also has the right to support whoever God asks him to support for the 2018 governorship race.

Fayose said he invited aspirants like his deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola; former Commissioner for Works, Mr. Kayode Oso; and former Wema Bank Group Managing Director, Mr. Adebisi Omoyeni to allow him seek the face of God on his successor.

The governor spoke yesterday at his Afao-Ekiti home at a meeting with PDP aspirants and leaders from Ikole, Ijero and Ise/Orun councils.

His alleged opposition to the governorship ambition of Deputy Senate Minority Whip Biodun Olujimi; former Deputy Governor Abiodun Aluko and the party’s national spokesman, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, has been causing tension in the party.

Fayose said: “Followers need not create a wedge between me and governorship aspirants. As much as aspirants have the right to aspire, I also reserve the right to support whoever God asks me to support.

“If I were asked to pick a candidate to succeed me, I would have picked Kayode Oso. But I have called him and asked him to allow me seek God’s consent concerning it.

“I have called my deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola; I have also called Bisi Omoyeni and asked him to allow me seek God’s consent. Whoever God chooses, we will support among the aspirants. Whoever that is not the one, the spirit of sportsmanship should be embraced.

“I have nothing against Prince Adedayo Adeyeye. I have respect for him: from ministerial appointment to chairmanship (of the governing council) at Ekiti State University, and his recommendation to the party at the national level.

“I have always stood by him. I wouldn’t have done that for someone I don’t love. So, mischief makers had better look elsewhere to play their game.”

The governor advised party members to downplay personal agenda and ensure the party’s interest is placed on the front burner.

He said: “Never will any candidate be imposed on the people. We won’t allow anybody to destroy the goodwill enjoyed by the PDP because there is no doubt about our party’s popularity in Ekiti today.

“I want to assure you nobody will impose anybody on you. With me here, you will all get justice. Those we imposed in the past disappointed us. The system should be allowed to run its course.”

At the meeting with party members from Ijero Ekiti, Fayose directed that about 23 members, hitherto suspended from the party, be forgiven and reabsorbed.