Dokpesi ‘out’ as PDP zones chairmanship slot to south-west

Raymond Dokpesi, founder of DAAR Communications, has apparently lost out in his bid to be the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Dokpesi had declared interest for the position after it was zoned to the south. But at a meeting of the southern caucus in Port Harcourt, Rivers state capital, on Thursday, decisions were taken on the positions zoned to the region.

After several hours of deliberation, the chairmanship slot was zoned to the south-west, deputy chairman to the south-south, and the national organising secretary to the south-east.

Dokpesi, who had set up a campaign team, which met with delegates in different states, had earlier vowed not to step down for anybody.

“High Chief Dokpesi is busy meeting the delegates and outlining his programmes for the reformation and rebuilding of the PDP,” the media guru’s team had said in a statement.

“He is not considering stepping down for anyone as he is widely accepted by delegates across the country. He remains the candidate to beat.

”As at noon of Saturday, 30th July, we have visited all the states in the southern region, except Ekiti, which we are heading to now. We will be meeting delegates from the northern region as from Sunday so High Chief Dokpesi is committed to the campaign and he is confident that he will win by the grace of God and the support of the delegates.”

It is not yet clear if Dokpesi would stick to the decision of the party’s stakeholders, as he has not commented on the new development.

The new arrangement favours Olabode George, former deputy national chairman of the PDP in the south-west; Gbenga Daniel, former governor of Ogun state; Tunde Adeniran, a former minister of education; and Owolabi Salis, a barrister.

Jimi Agbaje, candidate of the party in the 2015 governorship election in Lagos, is also said to be interested in the race, even though he has not confirmed his aspiration.

The PDP convention will hold in Port Harcourt on August 17.