Horse-trading, consultations natural, says party’s spokesman, Dipe

As the May 29 handover to another democratically-elected President draws near, intense political horse-trading for ministerial slots is already tearing the Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) apart.

The interest of some leaders and godfathers in the slot, it was learnt, is creating a tense atmosphere, as followers of those leaders are forming caucuses, which has led to bad blood within the party.

Among those reported to be eyeing the slot included the immediate past governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, whose interest has reportedly generated disquiet among members of the party, as members have taken to social media to de-market their rivals.

It was learnt that the camp of Senator Dayo Adeyeye, who championed the South-West Agenda for Asiwaju Tinubu (SWAGA) presidential ambition, was not taking Fayemi’s ambition lightly.

A source in Adeyeye’s camp, who spoke with our reporter in confidence, said that if anybody should be nominated on merit, it must be the former Minister of State for Works that spearheaded the struggle for Tinubu’s ambition.

“Fayemi has had his fair share of the leadership position in Ekiti State, having been governor and minister; he should allow others, especially those who work tirelessly for Asiwaju, to get the ministerial slot.

Others that are reportedly jostling for the slot included the Minister of Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo and another chieftain of the party, who chaired the grassroots mobilisation for the presidential election, Akin Alayisade.

Meanwhile, reacting to the development, the State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Segun Dipe, said that the alleged tension being created by those interested in the ministerial slot was nothing unnatural.

Dipe, who spoke with our reporter on telephone, said: “I don’t think there is any tension that is out of natural. Normally, if there is going to be ministerial appointment, there will be jostling, horse-trading and consultation before they arrive at picking a nominee.

“I don’t think anything unnatural is happening in the APC. At the end of the day, it is going to be the decision of the President to choose the candidate for the slot. There will always be consultations here and there and as a result, there will be interests that will be thrown up.

“I can assure you that once the final selection is made, the whole situation will calm down and everyone will accept the outcome. If you say that people are meeting, it is consultation and until they arrive at the final list, consultations will continue.” There will be last minute horse-trading, disappointment and so on.” These are natural and not out of place. So, we in the party are not afraid, as the best will emerge. Whoever emerges is our best.” (The Guardian)

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