Laide Raheem,  Abeokuta

A group, the Ijebu/Remo Forum, within the All Progressives Congress (APC), has appealed to its Ogun Central and West senatorial districts counterparts, to support the candidacy of Dapo Abiodun as the governorship flag bearer of the party in the state.

The Forum, which consists of leaders and elders from Ogun East, disclosed that it championed the right of Ijebu/Remo to produce the next governor, based on the historical and political antecedents in the state, insisting it was the turn Ogun East to produce the governor.

The group made the appeal in a communiqué issued and signed by Olu Dawodu and Segun Aderibigbe, chairman and secretary of Ijebu/Remo Forum respectively, at the end of its meeting in Sagamu on Tuesday.

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It expressed its reservation at the  difficult time party faithful were subjected to during the governorship primary of APC and condemned in strong terms, the unleashing of mayhem by thugs in order to hijack and truncate the process.

According to the Forum, the state had enjoyed relative peace under the administration of the incumbent Governor Ibikunle Amosun and  alleged that thugs were involved in the exercise to foist a particular candidate from Ogun West on the party.

It, therefore, saluted the courage, integrity and forthrightness of Muhammad Indabawa-led National Working Committee (NWC) electoral panel, to carry out its duty despite intimidation and coercion, noting “the panel has saved Ogun State APC from needless crisis”.

While commending other aspirants from Ogun East for their show of sportsmanship, especially Bimbo Ashiru, who according to the Forum had earlier been endorsed in an open and credible process,  the group reiterated its call for the support of Ogun West, assuring that Abiodun when elected, would serve the interest of all.

The communique reads further, “We wish to thank all the other aspirants from the other parts of the state for the interest they showed in the pursuit of democracy.

“It is our view that in the current exercise, there has been no victor and no vanquished.

“We appeal to everyone to be sportsmen and to be gallant in the present situation. Our experience has taught us that everyone will have his day.

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“We say to our compatriots from Ogun West, in particular, that despite the intensity of this contest, the Ijebu and Remo people are no enemies of the Yewa and Awori people.

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“Ijebu and Remo people are a people with a deep sense of history, justice and fairness. We seek it for ourselves and seek it for other people.

“Indeed, from the history of Ogun State to date, we know we are friends and allies. We have, mutually,  supported each other before and we believe God that we will do so again in future.

“On this occasion, we appeal for your restraint and gallantry. Please be assured that the government to be led by Prince Dapo Abiodun will serve your interest and that of all of Ogun State without any discrimination.

“To our leader, the indefatigable Governor Ibikunle Amosun, we salute you. We affirm that in the past eight years, you have worked hard for the progress of this state and believe history will be kind to you and accord you credit as a builder of note.

“While we may have disagreed on this issue, this does not reduce or diminish our respect for your person.

“We wish to say that the next few months, in which you will write the last chapter of your governorship, will be crucial and challenge your leadership as you prepare for your succession.

“Permit us to remind you, Your Excellency, that there is no success without succession. We trust that in your characteristic no holds barred style, you will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the party candidate, Adedapo Abiodun, and our party, the All Progressive Congress, are successful at the polls”.