Dep Gov’s Slot:  Bamidele, Fakayode, Ibiwoye, Adekanye, 5 others submit applications

By Mumini AbdulKareem

Contestants for the position of Deputy Governor in the Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have commenced the submission of applications to the party secretariat, National Pilot, authoritatively gathered, last night.
The state Chairman of the party, Engr Kola Shittu in a telephone chat with our reporter last night confirmed the development, adding that the deadline for the submission remains November 2, 2018 as stipulated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to Shittu, people have started showing interest (submitting applications) but the party will decide on the matter probably early next week
“The deadline is still November 2, 2018 which is next Friday and as regards the number that have so far submitted, I think they should be up to five but I have to crosscheck the figures,”  he divulged.
This medium had exclusively reported that the party had zoned the slot to Irepodun in Kwara South.
Those that have so far submitted their applications, a top source revealed last night, are nine in number, adding that the party had made the race open to give other interested persons in the local government the chance to participate in the process.
Among them were former member of the state House of Assembly in the seventh legislature, Elder David Bamidele said to be among the front runners, a two-time Special Adviser to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed on Labour Matters and Students Affairs, Comrade Bisi Fakayode, Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Rural Water Support Service, Hon. Anu Ibiwoye, former commissioner III in the Local Government Service Commission and immediate past secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state before the defection of the Senate President, Chief Bode Adekanye and one Prince Samuel Alebiosu.
Others are Barr. Ayansola Atolagbe and one Dayo Adewoye. The names of the remaining two contestants could not be confirmed last night.
A source said a Professor of Education Psychology and Director, Centre for International Education, University of Ilorin, Olabisi Olasehinde-Williams, who is the nominee of the General Overseer of Living Faith Church popularly known as Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo was yet to turn in her application as at last night.
Shortly after the emergence of former speaker and Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary, Hon Razak Atunwa, issue of who emerges his running mate has thrown up intense lobby by interested parties.
Atunwa is from Asa in Kwara Central and following speculations that the PDP would settle for a Speaker from Kwara North, the seat of Deputy Governor was automatically zoned to Kwara South which is about to complete its eight years as governor.