ABUJA – The ambition of the House Leader, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila to emerge the Speaker of the ninth House of Representatives on Tuesday night received a big boost as the five Governors from the Southwest geo-political zone presented a common front to mobilise lawmakers for him.
More than 90 percent of all members-elect from the region cutting across all political parties met with the governors from the region at the residence of Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi.
In attendance were Governors Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Gboyega Oyetota (Osun), and Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), who was represented by Senator Teslim Folarin, including Lagos and Ogun states Governors-elect, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dapo Abiodun respectively.
According to a source from the meeting, the governors made it clear that Gbajabiamila is a project for the region.
“Governor Fayemi did not mince words telling the members-elect that Gbajabiamila’s candidacy is not for himself but for the Southwest.
He told them that it was a national project that must be accomplished with a sincerity of purpose that would portray APC as a strong and cohesive party, with totally loyal members.
Gbajabiamila’s campaign Coordinator for Southwest, Akeem Adeyemi disclosed that the main contender from the region, Segun Odebunmi (Oyo) has finally aligned himself with the position of the party on the issue.
Adeyemi also said the support for Gbajabiamila cuts across the the six zones of the country considering the declaration of support from different state governors and other stakeholders.
He said: “As you can see, the presence of the entire governors and governors-elect from the region at this forum speaks volume.
“Their involvement is all about rallying us that Gbajabiamila’s candidacy is not only on merit but the wisest political choice.
“On Honourable Odebunmi, I can tell you that he has finally aligned himself with the position of the party.
“He is on the same page with us as confirmed by himself tonight”.
Odebunmi, who was also present at the meeting and seen taking photograph opportunity session with the others at end of the meeting, left immediately.
