The new SODELPA leader Viliame Gavoka [left] and Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.

New SODELPA leader Viliame Gavoka has dropped a bombshell in an exclusive interview with FBC News.

Gavoka says the SODELPA caucus defied President Ratu Epenisa Cakobau’s call for them to unite and support him as Opposition Leader.

Gavoka says despite this request, 14 members voted for Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu to become Opposition Leader. Only five supported Gavoka.

“There was a request from the President to combine the two offices under me but the caucus has the final say and they believe that the demarcation of the two roles should be maintained.”

According to Gavoka, Ratu Naiqama will be in charge only for matters within parliament, but questions have arisen as to what will happen if there is a difference of opinion between the two.

“We will thrash it out. We will talk, I know what he wants and if he has any reservations then there will be dialogue.”

Gavoka insists however that at the end of the day, he is calling the shots and he will lead SODELPA in the 2022 General Election.

“I’m the leader of SODELPA, I control the campaign, I’m in charge of everything around Fiji for the campaign. I am leading this Party to victory and he (Ratu Naiqama) will be an integral part of that.”

FBC News understands influential members of the SODELPA caucus lobbied for Ratu Naiqama to become Opposition Leader despite the Party choice of Viliame Gavoka.