There were jubilations in the Peoples Democratic Party fold in Oyo State as the former Deputy Governor of the state, Taofeek Arapaja, was declared the winner of the South-West chairmanship election held during the party’s Congress in Osogbo, Osun State, on Monday.
The Chairman of the Congress, Samuel Ortom, represented by his deputy, Benson Abounu, declared Arapaja the winner of the poll after the election.
Those who supported his bid were jumping for joy across the states in the zone, and especially in Oyo State as he emerged the winner in the keenly contested poll.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, is strongly behind Arapaja who reportedly polled a total of 343 votes to defeat Dr Eddy Olafeso who is the candidate of former Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State.
The result of the poll revealed that Arapaja polled a total of 343 out of the 683 vote cast while Olafeso got 330. Ten votes were voided at the poll.
Fayose had left the venue of the Congress shortly before the result was announced.
Olafeso had conceded defeat saying that he would work closely with the winner in a bid to reposition the party.
He said, “The storm is over. There is a new beginning for our party. We have to thank God almighty that despite odds, there is a new beginning for our party. The time is now. I thank everybody who supported me.”
Arapaja, who expressed his regards to Makinde and Fayose for their roles in the development of the party, lauded his opponent for embracing the spirit of sportsmanship.
He said, “We thank Governor Seyi Makinde and former Governor Fayose. It is our party. We will work together and move the party forward. We want to reposition the party. I will work with my brother, Olafeso to achieve our aims.”
