Why I Am Contesting For 2019 Presidency Under PDP – Fayose

Governor Ayodele Fayose, the longest-serving governor in Nigeria has become the talk of the town after defying all odds and declared his intention to run as a presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, September 28.

For many who may think the self-acclaimed ‘Irumole Osoko’ is acting based on his own volition, such may have a rethink after knowing the reason behind the Ekiti state incumbent number one citizen.

Although his party had already declined the bid of Governor Fayose to have the party’s presidential ticket as the zoning prefers the North for the candidature but Fayose insists bearing the flag since one from the North has expressed interest up till now.

Governor Fayose posited that his declaration is not in any way a defiant act to the activities of the party and never a strange happening within.

He stated this in his declaration speech and it partly reads:

“Most importantly, despite that the party has zoned the presidency to the North, it may interest you that no one has come out in this manner to show interest and our party should not wait or beg anyone to fly its flag. Do we now say that if no one comes out from the North, the party won’t have a candidate?

“Going down memory lane, in 1999 and 2003, despite that our party zoned the presidency to the South, the likes of Alhaji Abubakar Rimi of blessed memory and Chief Banabas Gemade contested the ticket.

Also in 2007, some party members from the South did not only declare their intention to contest, they also showed interest and obtained nomination Forms. Those from the South were; Chief Victor Attah, Dr. Peter Odili, Dr. Sam Egwu, Dr. Donald Duke, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, Owelle Rochas Okorocha among others.

This, in itself, assisted in deepening democracy.”

Besides this, Fayose also believes he has acquired sufficient competence to contest against the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC and win the incumbent power at the center.

Mentioning his feats as the longest serving governor, Fayose established that “Our party (PDP) must not lose sight that Nigerians at this period are desirous of a President with demonstrated capacity to change their fortunes. Furthermore, we must be mindful of the fact that our party needs a candidate like me, with a penchant for defeating incumbents.

Twice, I defeated incumbents to become the Governor of Ekiti State and I am confident that with your support as my party leaders and supporters, I will defeat the incumbent President, Muhammadu Buhari, in a free and fair election.”

Governor Fayose is a loyal member of PDP, who presents consistent criticism against the APC-led Federal Government fearlessly and with all audacity.