The South-West chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Monday, picked former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Olabode George, as the consensus candidate for the national chairmanship position.
George was adopted at a meeting held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Akure, Ondo State.
At the meeting were Governors Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo), Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti), Mimiko’s deputy, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo, Fayose’s deputy, Dr Kolapo Olusola, George, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, Erelu Olusola Obada, Chief Shuaibu Oyedokun, Chief Eddy Olafeso, Chief Ishola Filani, Chief Dare Adeleke, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, Chief Joju Fadairo, Senator Teslim Folarin and others.
Before George’s adoption, the zonal caucus had zoned the chairmanship position to Lagos and Ogun states.
A six-man committee, headed by Adeojo, was also set up to appeal to other aspirants to support George.
It is believed that Mr. Jimi Agbaje (Lagos), Otunba Gbenga Daniel (Ogun) and Adedoja (Oyo) have indicated interest to contest for the position in Port Harcourt.
The Adeojo Committee will submit its report in 48 hours.
The meeting also agreed to zone the position of the Deputy National Publicity Secretary to Oyo/Osun and National Treasurer to Ondo/Ekiti.
Mimiko and Fayose spoke eloquently of George’s experience, charisma and loyalty to the party.
To the governors, PDP will be better if George is elected as the national chairman “which will be the first time a Yoruba is elected to lead our party since 1998”.
Others also spoke glowingly of George’s expertise in party administration and his deep knowledge of the intricacies of party mechanisms.
An elated George promised to stretch out the olive branch of reconciliation to everyone “to bring our party back to it’s winning ways”.
Olafeso, who is the zonal chairman of the party, urged all party leaders and delegates to support George as the consensus candidate.
