Niyi Akande, Osogbo.
There is rumpus in the fold of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Osun state following directive from a leader of the party to members, telling them not to contest 2019 National and State Assembly polls.
The directive allegedly emanated from a leader of the party, whom, those contacted were unwilling to disclose.
But a member of the party, who confided in Osun Daily said: “if governorship candidate of the party in the Osun poll, Senator Iyiola Omisore, did not issue the said directive, he must surely know about it.”
Despite the directive, many members, findings show have indicated interest to contest 2019 State and National Assembly Elections.
Fron the text directing SDP members not to contest 2019, copy of which was sent to this medium, the message was a response to a request by another member of the party, seeking blessings for his aspiration for 2018 elections
The text, which has since gone viral, referred to the ‘coalition’ between SDP and APC as the reason why party members should not contest 2019 polls.
The same leader of the party, who allegedly directed members not to contest, it was learnt, also disowned the list of 2019 candidates for State and National Assembly elections from Osun sent to the national secretariat of SDP.
On the list sighted by Osun Daily, Mr. Ayo Olowofoyeku was listed as the SDP Senatorial candidate for Osun East and Otunba Ayotunde Babatunde, as Central candidate. The party would not be fielding any candidate for Osun West.
For State Assembly elections, out of 26 available seats in Osun House of Assembly, SDP listed candidates for 10 of them.
Apparently to arrest growing tension among members, the chairman of the party, Dr. Bayo Faforiji, told those interested in contesting in 2019 to indicate interest.
Faforiji, during a meeting held at SDP state secretariat few days ago, gave members his words that whoever with interest in 2019 polls would be supported by the party.
