Osun PDP: Adeleke’s collection of certificate of return doesn’t make him party candidate, says Babayemi group

Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The factional governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, Prince Dotun Babayemi says Senator Ademola Adeleke’s collection of the certificate of return at the National Secretariat of the party, Abuja on Thursday doesn’t affirm his position as the party’s candidate in the July 18 election in the state.

Westernpost had earlier reported that the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, presented Adeleke the certificate of return after emerging winner in the primary election monitored by the National Working Committee of the party at the Osogbo township stadium.

Babayemi also won another primary conducted same day at the WOCDIF Event Center, Osogbo with zonal officers of the party in attendance to emerge the candidate of his own faction.

Speaking in an interview with Westernpost in Osogbo, a member of the party, Apesin Abiodun Adegoke said Adeleke’s collection of certificate of return does not authenticate him as the candidate who will be presented on the election day.

“Anybody can receive certificate of return as far as we are concerned, but who made it to the poll in July is what matters, definitely Omooba Dotun is the one to beat,” Adegoke said.

“You remember the case of Buruji Kashamu and Ladi Adebutu in 2019? Ladi was given certificate of return but Buruji was the man for the poll.

“Let’s be on a watchout, Omooba Dotun Babayemi is the next governor in Osun on the platform of the PDP.”