Two former ministers, Chief Dapo Sarumi and Prince Adeseye Ogunlewe are currently embroiled in a battle of wit over their attempts to control the soul of the Lagos State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Both men have commenced moves to reposition their various groups to ensure effective takeover of the party’s machinery when congresses are conducted to fill state executive offices sometimes towards the end of the year.
If all goes well, the tenure of the current executive committee is expected to lapse in November and the two men hope to cash in on moves being made to whittle down the influence of former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George who seems not to enjoy the support of the national headquarters.
Sources within the party told LEADERSHIP that while Ogunlewe, who leads a caucus called Global Mandate has expressed his desire to contest the state chairmanship, Sarumi on the other hand is said be grooming an unnamed member of his Primrose caucus.
To actualise his ambition, Ogunlewe who was minister in charge of Works portfolio is said to have begun visitations to all the 20 constitutionally recognised local governments to drum up support.
“The minister (Ogunlewe) will be contesting the chairmanship later in the year,” a source within the party told our correspondent yesterday. He also said that he has since been enjoying the support of groups opposed to the dominance of George within the party.
Those canvassing for his candidature were of the belief that his past records in terms of mobilising members would earn him the office.
On his part, Sarumi, a former governorship candidate of the PDP in the state is said to be keeping his game to his chest but sources close to him said the group will play a ‘visible role’ in the PDP in the next few months.
“I don’t know whether our caucus will field candidate for the various party offices, all I know is that Primrose will play important role in the next congress,” said a source close to Sarumi.?