Ahead of the zonal congresses of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fixed for Saturday, March 6, 2021, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has nominated former deputy governor of the state and former Nigerian Ambassador to Jordan, Taofeek Arapaja, for the position of the National Vice-Chairman of the party in the South-West.

He announced the nomination at a well-attended PDP Zonal Caucus meeting held at Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, on Tuesday. 

Arapaja served as deputy governor during the administration of Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, who is presently the Chairman, Elders’ Advisory Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State.

Correspondent Kunle Ojo reports that Makinde appealed to each state, to emulate Oyo state and give room for inclusiveness stressing that this will help the party to achieve unity ahead of the March 6, 2021 congress.

Governor Makinde said, “I want to commend our leaders for their efforts towards ensuring peace and unity in the party. The effort is geared towards repositioning our party ahead of the 2023 general election. We must continue yo remain focus and for the coming congress, let be on the same page in order to make the March 6th, 2021 seamless”.

The Arapaja’s nomination came a few hours after the Fayose’s faction also nominated former National Vice Chairman, South West, Eddy Olafeso, as the zonal chairman. Daily Sun gathered that the turn of event may culminate into paralleled zonal congresses in the South-West.

Other speakers at the meeting commended the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde adding that he should continue to steer the affairs of the party in the region.

A member of the PDP BoT, Senator Olu Alabi, a member of the National Assembly, Abiodun Olujimi and the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly stressed the need for unity in the party.

Also, the former Governor, Osun State and chairman of the reconciliation committee set up by Makinde, Olagunsoye Oyinlola and former Deputy Governor in Oyo state, Taofeek Arapaja sued for peace in the party.