Oyo 2019: Ladoja makes u-turn, opts to stay put in ADC

AGAINST the threat by former governor of Oyo state, Chief Rashidi Ladoja and his followers to dump the newly registered African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in protest against intra- party crisis over selection of guber candidate has been suspended for now.

Mega Icon Magazine exclusively gathered that the plan was shelved following the affirmation of Senator Olufemi Lanlehin as the gubernatorial candidate of the party against the emergence of Dr. Nureni Adeniran on Tuesday.

Adeniran, a former Commissioner in the state, had earlier emerged as the governorship candidate of the party during the election held in Ibadan, the state capital and conducted by the 13 aspirants of the party on Tuesday.

However, the National Working Committee of the party on Wednesday, re-affirmed Senator Lanlehin as the party nominee.

This Magazine also gathered that Chief Ralphs Nwosu, the ADC National Chairman, on Wednesday while briefing journalists in Abuja after a meeting of the National Working Committee of the party, announced Lanlehin as the party’s choice.

“In line with our earlier statement on the issue of ADC’s gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, the National Working Committee wishes to announce that Senator Olufemi Lanlehin remains the gubernatorial candidate of ADC in Oyo State. We have had to revisit the issue to ensure that we accommodate all concerns from various quarters. We have had meetings with all the stakeholders of our dear party, including aspirants at all levels of elective positions.

“This was meant to ensure that the choice of Senator Lanlehin satisfied the aspirations of all party leaders, members and stakeholders of our great party, including a broad spectrum of the good people of Oyo State. Following the deliberations and consultations, the party’s decision on Senator Lanlehin has been ascertained to be the best for ADC and especially the good people of Oyo State. All the polls taken so far have pointed to the fact that Lanlehin is the Oyo State Governor in waiting”, Nwosu informed.

Speaking with our reporter on Thursday in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, a close source to Chief Ladoja hinted that the emergence of Senator Lanlehin prevailed on them to remain in the ADC.

The source who craved anonymity, said the decision became necessary because it is time for ceasefire.

Chief Ladoja, however awaits the final list that was sent to Abuja following his request for the replacement of some candidates which may finally determine his decision to stay or leave.

 

By Idowu Ayodele