A Chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP), Hon.Taiwo Hellen Adebakin has admonished contestants to the position of the PDP Deputy National Chairmanship slot in the SouthWest to display the spirit of sportsmanship.
Hon. Adebakin who is the secretary of the former and present National Ex-Officio forum of the PDP also urged them not to be too desperate in the quest for power stressing that “only God gives power and He gives it to whoever He likes.”
The National Executive Committee(NEC) Member urged the contenders not to indulge in any activity that could jeopardize the interest of the South West geopolitical zone.
Nigerian NewsDirect learnt that three candidates from the Southwest: Professor Wale Oladipo, Ambassador Taofik Arapaja and former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola were gunning for the coveted position.
Commenting on the situation, Adebakin said, “Well, I can only advise the contenders to thread softly and not to be too desperate about the position. They should have at the back of their minds that only God gives power and He gives it to whoever He wants. They must also understand that whoever emerges at the end of the contest shall work with others in the zone. It is important they don’t act in the manner that would make our zone lose out completely in the party’s leadership contest.
“Left for me, I would have preferred we come up with a consensus candidate since that is not feasible for now, we just have to appeal to the contestants to display maturity and spirit of sportsmanship. It won’t be too good for us to approach the National Convention as a divided family.
“More importantly, they should respect the view of the leader in the SouthWest in the person of Governor Seyi Makinde. We must appreciate him for holding forth and giving direction to the party in the zone,” she added.
Adebakin acknowledged the leadership roles being offered by the Oyo State Governor, Engr. ‘Seyi Makinde in the party, urging stakeholders to always appreciate his good intentions for the party.
The PDP stalwart however urged them to respect Governor Makinde’s views on issues relating to the party, being the only governor produced by the PDP in the zone.