From: Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, on Thursday, reiterated that the party would not restrict the governorship slot to any particular zone in the state.
The party leadership, which declared that any zone was free to vie for the number one position come 2019, however, stated that APC in the state was only interested in a governorship candidate that would build on the achievements of incumbent Governor Ibikunle Amosun.
The state Acting Chairman of APC, Alhaji Tajudeen Lemboye, made this known at the party secretariat in Abeokuta when a former House of Representatives member, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, formally declared his intention to run for governorship on the party’s platform in 2019.
Akinlade, who represented Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency between 2003 and 2015, recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to APC after reuniting with Amosun.
Lemboye, who led other party officials and chieftains to welcome the lawmaker, harped on continuity in government noting the state must not make a mistake on the choice of Amosun’s successor.
He specifically mentioned Lagos State, which according to him, had benefitted immensely from continuity in governance under the current democratic dispensation.
Lemboye added APC needed a united front to ensure victory for the party in 2019 urging all aspirants to conduct themselves within the party guidelines.
He, however, described Akinlade as a man of the people saying “he performed creditably during his tenure and could do well if given the opportunity”.
“Governor Amosun has made a difference in Ogun State. We want someone that would continue with his pace of performance. We have asked him (Akinlade) several questions and he has offered answers satisfactorily. We are convinced that if given the opportunity, he would do well.
“We are an umpire. Anybody can aspire and decide to contest from any zone, whether Ogun West or Ogun East or even Central. We have not zoned the governorship. But eventually, we will decide the most competent and qualified aspirant to fly our party’s flag”. He added.
Speaking on his plans for the state, Akinlade said his five-point agenda was anchored on the need to consolidate on the achievements of the current administration.
The former lawmaker assured that he would run a people-centric government, adding that there would be special recognition for women and youth through empowerment and entrepreneurship.
He said, “The governor is risking his achievements to support Ogun West for governor. I want to assure him that we will not disappoint him.
“I have what it takes to step into the shoes of Senator Ibikunle Amosun.
I have aspired for governorship thrice, but this time round, with God and the support of the governor and leaders of the party, I will emerge victorious come 2019.”