Twenty four hours after he declared his intention to run for 2019 presidential elections, Ayodele Fayose, Governor of Ekiti State says the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) needs a candidate like him ‘who has penchants for defeating incumbents’
Writing on his Twitter page on Friday, Fayose says “Twice, I defeated incumbents to become the Governor of Ekiti State… I am confident that with your support as my party leaders and supporters, I will defeat President Buhari, in a free and fair election”.
“Our party must not lose sight that Nigerians at this period are desirous of a President with demonstrated capacity to change their fortunes”
On whether he has acted against the decision of the party which has zoned the presidency to the north, Fayose says “no one has come out in this manner to show interest.”
“My decision to seek the PDP ticket to contest the 2019 presidential election is without prejudice to our party’s position” he adds.
While giving credence to his action, he says “ Going down memory lane, in 1999 and 2003,despite that our party zoned the presidency to the South, Rimi and Gemade contested the ticket” .
“Also in 2007, some party members from the South did declare their intention to contest interest and obtained nomination Forms.
“Do we now say that if no one comes out from the North, the party won’t have a candidate?
“Our party should not wait or beg anyone to fly its flag…especially now that this country needs young and able leaders that can take our country out of this present state of hopelessness.
“ However, I am a supporter of competence and capacity…”