The Secretary of the All Progressives Congress APC In Osun State, Alhaji Rasaq Salinsile has held that zoning which is the tradition in Osun politics will be a factor in choosing the governorship candidate of the party in the forthcoming elections.
He held that since zoning was the formulae used and followed since the inception of the state and the enthronement of the first civilian governor of the state in 1992, it is definitely a parameter that would be considered in picking its candidate.
Salinsile who comes from Osun West Senatorial District, the zone touted by many to produce the next governor of the state told reporters in Osogbo over the weekend that in respect of the tradition, the district should “normally” produce the governor of Osun come 2018.
His words “Definitely, we must follow tradition. If you look at the roll call since our first civilian governor, Late Sen Isiaka Adeleke was elected in 1992 and spent 22 months, no other governor has come from the district.”
“Both Chief Akande and Prince Oyinlola from the Central District spent 11 1/2 years with the incumbent, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola coming from the East with 8 years. It should come traditionally to the West.”
The Osun APC Secretary noted that since the ban on political campaigns by aspirants from the party placed 2 years ago has been lifted, “the coast is clear for the gladiators to start politicking.”
Alhaji Salinsile stressed that the loss of the Osun West senatorial District by-election will not be a factor in determining the next governor of Osun State saying the party is prepared for the PDP and other parties in the election.
