Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
Scores of loyalists of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirant in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Adeola, otherwise known as Yayi, on Friday, joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The loyalists, who were mainly from the six local governments in Ogun Central Senatorial District, led by a one-time chairman of Abeokuta North local government, Moruf Ajisegiri, publicly declared their support for ADC at an event, held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta, the state capital.
The event was attended by the ADC gubernatorial aspirant in the state, Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka, former state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Joju Fadairo, ADC state chairman, Adeniyi Adebanjo and other ADC chieftains.
In his remark, former Secretary of Abeokuta South local government, Nurudeen Olaleye, explained that Senator Adeola’s supporters in Ogun Central, decided to join ADC as a result of the uncertainty beclouding the governorship aspiration of the Lagos West senator.
He added that Yayi supporters in the state, particularly in Ogun Central, have been “political orphans” having left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) two years ago, hence, their decision to team up with ADC ahead of 2019 general elections.
Speaking on behalf of the loyalists, Ajisegiri, noted that they joined ADC to galvanise support for the party to win next year’s governorship election in the state.
He said since Senator Adeola’s gubernatorial ambition is stalled in the state, his supporters cannot afford to be left in the limbo without a direction, saying thousands of Yayi supporters in the six local governments were ready to join ADC.
Ajisegiri, further noted that the mass movement of Ogun Central supporters of Yayi to ADC, signified at least, 30 percent victory for whoever emerges as the party governorship candidate in the state come 2019.
Receiving the loyalists, chairman, Contact, Harmonisation and Mobilisation of ADC in the state, Niyi Salako, lauded the new members for taking the bold step.
He described the party as “a moving train in the right direction”, noting the door of the party was still open for more members to join it.
Salako, who disclosed that all elective positions in the party are still open, assured that the party will create a level playing ground for all contestants.
In his remark, ADC gubernatorial aspirant, Isiaka, reiterated his desire to emerge as the governorship candidate of the party in 2019.
According to him, Ogun State should not be measured by road infrastructure alone, while other sectors such as health, education and economy suffer total neglect, submitting his administration will focus on holistic development of the state, if elected as governor in 2019.