Close aides of Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, have picked two top members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to launch the campaign aimed at ensuring that he emerges as the next governor of Ekiti State.
At a meeting held in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, close aides and political associates of Senator Ojudu appointed Aderanti Adebisi to lead the “Ojudu for Governor Campaign”.
The appointment is coming on the heels of intense lobby by a wide network of human right organisations in Ekiti and across the country urging the distinguished journalist to throw his hat into the ring.
Adebisi, alias Opomulero, comes from Ikole Local government in Ekiti State. He is said to be a “hard nut strategist” who plays politics with the precision of a surgeon and had assisted so many governors who came to power in the state over the past years.
Mr Adebisi is to be assisted by Femi Ajayi, who the group picked as director of administration of the campaign.
Sources say the supporters of Ojudu wish to explore his goodwill at home and most importantly, his coming from Ado-Ekiti which suffers the fate of having not produced the governor of either Ondo or Ekiti State and the huge population of voters in the centre region where he comes from.
Emmanuel Adeoye, an aide of the presidential aide, however, points out in a chat with Irohinodua that “Ojudu is not a candidate of a particular enclave. He is a candidate for the 131 towns and villages in Ekiti State. He is coming into the race to fight for the needs and aspirations of all the 131 towns with rare passion and vigour never before seen”
A prominent lawyer and human right activist who does not wish to be named added: “We are overwhelming Comrade Ojudu from left, right and centre. We are buzzing on his ears to contest the forthcoming election. We need someone who is bold. We need someone with impeccable character. We need someone from the fold of the progressives. We need someone who has grassroots touch. We need a lion-hearted man who can confront Mr (Ayodele Fayose). Ojudu fits the bill.”
He said several organisations have been holding series of meetings across the six Yoruba states to ensure Ojudu joins the race.
“Ekiti election is not a local affair. It is a Pan-Yoruba affair. The entire Yoruba family is interested in who becomes the next Ekiti governor. It is also a Nigerian affair and a global affair. The progressives at home and abroad want to see Ekiti retrieved from the hands of those currently in power. Ojudu is the best in this circumstance,” he concluded.
