Taofeeq Arapaja, candidate backed by Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has emerged as the South-west chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
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The South-west congress of the party held in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on Monday.
Arapaja, a former deputy governor of Oyo, contested the position with Eddy Olafeso, who was supported by Ayo Fayose, former governor of Ekiti.
Makinde and Fayose had not been in good terms over the control of the PDP in the South-west, but both appeared to have resolved their differences at the event, with Fayose saying he would accept the outcome of the election.
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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that after voting was concluded, Arapaja scored 343 votes to emerge the winner, while Olafeso, the immediate past zonal chairman, secured 330 votes.
Benson Abounu, Benue State deputy governor, who represented his principal, Samuel Ortom, as chairman of the electoral panel, announced the result of the election.
Abounu commended the delegates and the candidates for the conduct of the election, and also appreciated the stakeholders for ensuring a free and fair process.
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Speaking after he was declared winner, Arapaja said he would work with Olafeso to move the party forward.
“We thank governor Seyi Makinde and Mr Ayo Fayose. PDP is our party. We will work together to move the party forward,” he said.
“We want to reposition the party and I will work with my brother, Olafeso, to achieve our aims.”
On his part, Olafeso also gave the assurance that he would cooperate with Arapaja.
“The storm is over. 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,” Olafeso said.
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NAN said Makinde waited until the result of the zonal congress election was announced, while Fayose left before the exercise was concluded.
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