From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
Chief Segun Akinwumi, a leading contestant for the position of the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, has said he will ensure the PDP takes pride of place and return the party to power in the state if he is elected as the chairman of the party.
Akinwumi disclosed this at a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Old-Governor’s office, Ado-Ekiti, capital of the state.
While unveiling his agenda to members and leaders of the PDP from across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state, the party chieftain said the PDP in the state is in the doldrum, urging loyal party members to support him to win the seat, noting the PDP needs a capable person like him to revamp and bring the party back to the foreground in the state.
Having served in various ministries as Commissioner in the state and worked very hard in the PDP, Akinwumi said he remained the best man for the job, adding if given the chance to lead the party, he will make sure that the PDP under his leadership dislodges the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2026 governorship election and return the PDP to the Government House in Ekiti.
“We can and we will defeat the ruling party in the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti. The PDP is already in the doldrum, we need someone capable to bring us out of the doldrum.
“We are an inch closer to the government house, we have some of our members in government now who will vote for us at that time”
Akinwumi added, “I don’t know who is contesting against me. You can go and contest for House of Representatives and Senate but this is an elder’s position, leave it to me.
“This will actually be figured out in few months time during our congress in the state.
“I am the preferred person, I have worked so hard in the party and today will mark one year and two months that I have declared my intention to become the chairman of the party in Ekiti state.
“When I become the chairman of the party, I will lead my members to Governor Oyebanji’s office, shake his hand and tell him that PDP is coming back to the Government House by 2026.”
Speaking on allegations of anti-party activities levelled against former governor Ayo Fayose and some PDP leaders, Akinwumi said, that would be resolved but maintained that all PDP members including Fayose must comply with the ethics of the party.
“Former Governor Ayodele Fayose has the option to go to anywhere he wants, he has served for 8 years and lost nothing. He can’t come back to contest.
“But if he wants to provide anyone for position in a party that I am the chairman, he must comply fully with the ethics and kernels of the party.”