A former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Taofeeq Arapaja has emerged the Southwest Zonal Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Arapaja defeated the immediate past Zonal Chairman of the region, Eddy Olafeso, at a congress held in Osogbo the Osun State capital.
It was more like a contest between the Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, attesting their popularity in the Southwest region of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Taofeeq Arapaja, a former deputy governor of Oyo State, supported by Governor Seyi Makinde, eventually was declared winner, by a close margin.
Announcing the result, the chairman of the congress and deputy governor of Benue State, Benson Abounu, declare that Arapaje polled 343 votes, while Eddy Olafeso scored 330 out of the 675 votes cast, with 10 voided.
He commended the spirit of sportsmanship of the two factions.
Arapaja said both camps would work together to move the party forward, as Eddy Olafeso also conceded, and promised to work with Arapaja.
Although, Ayo Fayose had left the venue before the announcement of the result, he had earlier promised to abide by the outcome of the election.
Governor Seyi Makinde who waited till the end of the whole process, said that the victory is for all the party members.
Also Read: Governor Makinde and Fayose promise to accept outcome of PDP zonal congress
Other positions contested for were largely won by Governor Seyi Makinde’s faction.
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)
