Hamed Adewale Ishola has appealed to the people of the 9 local government area of Oyo south senatorial district to support the ambition of Joseph Tegbe.
Tegbe is the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the 2023 election in the district.
Speaking with OYOINSIGHT.COM, Ishola who wanted to fly the All Progressives Congress, APC, flag for Egbeda/Ona Ara federal constituency in the 2023 election, said though he hasn’t officially defected to the PDP but that Tegbe is fit for the position.
According to him, “Engineer Joseph Tegbe is my principal and political mentor. Back in 2018, when I was asked to step down among other federal house of representatives’ aspirants to allow the anointed party candidate, APC fly its flag; JT was the only person who fulfilled his promise by speaking to the late former governor Isiaka Ajimobi about my aspiration. Get this, Mogaji was still digesting the shocking news of which he was also asked to step down for another aspirant. Nevertheless, as man of integrity that he is, JT spoke up on my behalf, which meant a lot to me, and I can never forget that period concerning my political career. I am supporting Mogaji Tegbe because he has all and more than it takes to perform efficiently once he is elected to office. I can assure you that anyone that engages JT in a conversation will fall in love with him. JT is full of life, brilliant, humble, fair, approachable,and very kind-hearted. He is indeed the man of the people.”
Asked if he is still in APC, Ishola explained that “While I have not officially defected to PDP, it is safe to say that I am loyal to my principal Mogaji Tegbe. By default, I support his political goals. Mogaji’s focus is to be elected to the office and contribute his quota to ensure PDP, as a political party, remains in power come 2023. I have met several other political bigwigs in Oyo State, and I tell you, there is no man like ‘JT.’ I am with JT, and I am with PDP, period.”
He said that by extension, he is supporting the re-election of Seyi Makinde as governor of Oyo State.
“That is an easy question. The answer is yes! His Excellency has proven he is a force to reckon with. He is a gentle lion whose roar is louder than his opponents. He is principled, does not say much but speaks and acts confidently at the appropriate time. GSM is compassionate, and his approach is diplomatic, not condescending. While there will always be room for improvement concerning governance, GSM surely deserves another term.”
He revealed that he holds no grudge against the APC and its members. “I wish Oyo APC the best of luck. There is no animosity. If I encounter the likes of Senator Folarin, Hon Akin Alabi, Hon Afeez Bolaji Repete – who is my dear brother, and so on, I will gladly exchange pleasantry. Various life experiences have taught me to value my worth and not spend too much time in an environment where I am not welcomed. For instance, in 2018 in the presence of people like Pa Ismaila Ashipa, Alhaji Semiu Alebiosu, and Alhaji Kamar “Komo” Tiamiyu; Senator Teslim Folarin categorically stated at the Oluyole residence that he would throw his weight behind me to secure the APC reps ticket and would never endorse the other front runner. In fact, what ended up happening was the opposite of what Senator Teslim verbalized to my team and me. I was sidelined. I watched Senator Folarin and Akin Alabi’s bromance grow stronger until they were both elected to office. So, when the hijacking saga within APC began, I was not shocked.”
On whether he would try again next time, he said that “the political terrain in our dear country cannot be rushed into. One must be organized with a solid plan and a capable team. I am not in a rush. I aim to maintain my relationship with my people in Egbeda and Ona Ara. Some are still with APC, and some defected to Accord and PDP. Most importantly, I aim to continue to learn from the likes of Mogaji Tegbe and GSM whom I share values with, this I respectfully and humbly state. That being said, the people will vote and they will elect Mogaji Tegbe and Governor Seyi Makinde.”
