Sodiq Yusuf
As preparations begin for the March 2024 local government election in Oyo State, leaders of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are making cool cash from aspirants vying for the chairmanship and councillorship positions.
Investigations by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that while the chairmanship aspirants are lobbying the leaders in their respective local government areas with a sum in the range of N20 million to N25 million naira, councillorship aspirants are influencing the support of the party with a range of N5 million to N10 million naira, depending on the local government.
Sources hinted that the decision of the aspirants to lobby the leaders was part of moves of some chairmanship aspirants who do not seem to enjoy the backing of those who have the ears of Governor Seyi Makinde, to form a consensus when the primaries begin this week.
According to the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), sales of forms and screening of aspirants which began last week must be completed before Wednesday, July 19.
OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the screening process for the aspirants who took N2 million nomination forms from the state secretariat of the PDP last weekend will be concluded today.
A member of the state working committee of the party who does not want his name in print said after the screening process is concluded, the names of aspirants would be forwarded to Governor Seyi Makinde where a final decision on the party’s choice for next year’s council elections in the state.
He said the decision of the Governor and his kitchen cabinet will go a long way in deciding the fate of the aspirants, especially, those who will contest the chairmanship positions.
We Have Spent A Lot So Far – Aspirants
Some aspirants who spoke with the medium under condition of anonymity expressed displeasure with what they described as ‘extortion,’ by the leaders of the party.
Speaking with the medium, an aspirant at Egbeda local government and a chairmanship aspirant in Afijio local government berated the decision of the leaders.
They told OSUN DEFENDER that: “We have spent a lot, o. In fact, as I am speaking to you, we have collected several loans and credit facilities to ensure we get the ticket. We have traversed the local governments and did not spend less than N500,000 in each ward.
“Some of us are even planning to withdraw because these leaders are asking for too much. They want to milk us dry because we are contesting. We have to settle leaders at the Zonal or local level, our ward and some leaders at the state level. We have to also see some of the Governor’s kitchen cabinet because we here there will be a meeting to decide our fate.
“Primaries will still hold bit whoever is not anointed would not be declared candidates. That is why we are running everywhere to ensure we are picked. We have spent a lot. I have a budget of around N20 million and I am not sure I will not spend more when I eventually get the ticket,” an aspirant from Afijio local government said.
Incumbents Seek Last Minute Help From Makinde’s Men
Reports indicate that incumbent Chairmen of some local governments have consistently visited the homes and offices of party leaders, in the last few days to seek their support for the primary elections slated for later this week.
According to findings, key figures in the administration including the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi, a close associate of the Governor, Otunba Seye Famojuro, Mr Babatunde Tijani known as Double T, PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja have received the incumbent chairmen and their allies over the last few days to get a re-election ticket.
Some of the chairmen as gathered by the medium are the embattled Chairman of Oluyole local government, Hon. Popoola Olaide, popularly known as Settle, the Chairman of Akinyele local government, Hon Taoreed Jimoh, and a host of others are seeking the face of the Governor over potential threats to their ambitions.
Investigations has it that in Oluyole local government, Olaide is confronted with the aspirations of two major political heavyweights, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, the state publicity Secretary of the PDP and the current Vice Chairman of the council Area. Also, in Akinyele LGA, Hon Wole Akinleye the current General Manager of Pacesetter Transport Services has won the nod of the party against the incumbent Hon Taoreed Jimoh
The embattled chairmen, findings indicate are considering the options of internal settlement and consensus to aid their ambition.
Meanwhile, Olatunji, while featuring on an interview programme on Fresh FM Ibadan last Thursday, failed to declare whether he is the anointed candidate for Oluyole local government.
He said: “When the time is ripe, you will know.”
