The immediate past Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State Olabisi Kolawole has emerged as the candidate of the party for the June 18 governorship election.
Kolawole, who enjoys the unreserved backing of former Governor Ayo Fayose beat his closest rival, former governor Segun Oni, who polled 330 votes.
He won with 671 votes out of 1185 up for grabs.
Kolawole was declared the winner by the Chairman, Electoral Committee of the party, Governor Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom State.
He said Kolawole won the election having scored the highest number of votes cast.
Eight aspirants – including former Governor Ayodele Fayose’s deputy and PDP candidate in the 2018 election, Professor Olusola Eleka – participated in the delegate primary election that held in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
Others include former PDP National Treasurer Wale Aribisala, as well as Bisi Kolawole, Kayode Adaramodu, Lateef Ajijola, and Mrs Titilayo Owolabi-Akerele.
Statistics from the poll include: void votes 13, Adekemi Adewumi 1, Biodun Olujimi, 2, Lateef Ajijola 1, Ayodeji Kazeem, 6, Kayode Adaramodu 10, Professor Kolapo Olusola scored 93, Adewale Aribisala, 56, Segun Oni 330, Bisi Kolawole 671
Before the commencement of the exercise, one of the key aspirants, Senator Abiodun Olujimi, withdrew from the race.
Olujimi, who represents Ekiti South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, cited gender bias and an unfair resolution of matters arising from a lingering controversial congress of the party.
According to her, the list to be used for the primary puts her at a disadvantage as her local government is left with only 12 delegates as decided by the party leadership.
Addressing journalists, Udom appreciated party members for their display of maturity and cooperation which led to the success of the poll.
He noted that the election was transparent and devoid of any manipulation.
He called on the winner to be magnanimous in victory while those who lost should be strong in defeat.
