House of Representatives candidate on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Oyo Federal Constituency, Honorable Maroof Akinwande, has described his purported withdrawal from the race as a wicked rumour from mischief makers.
Akinwande, who is a former member of the House of Representatives, said the rumour was being spread by those intimidated by his acceptability and envious of his “ever-rising political profile” among the people of Afijio, Atiba, Oyo East and Oyo West local government councils.
In a statement signed by him and made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Monday, the ADC candidate said his resolve to give better representation to the people of the constituency would not be traded for anything.
“It has come to my notice that there is a rumour going around in Afijio/Atiba/Oyo East/Oyo West Federal Constituency that I have stepped down as the ADC House of Representatives candidate. I wish to state categorically that it is a lie from the pit of hell.
“This rumour is presumably being propagated by those who are envious or intimidated about my well-entrenched political profile and acceptability by the people of my Federal Constituency.
“I remain the ADC candidate for Oyo Federal Constituency and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in its final list of National Assembly election candidate published last week declared me as the ADC candidate. This means I have not withdrawn and can never withdraw for anybody constitutionally.
“I appreciate the enormous and unprecedented support I get daily from the people of my constituency and I pledge never to take them form granted. I have done it before and the people know my word is my bond,” he said.
- The former lawmaker asked his supporters to continue to canvass and mobilize for him an urged the people of the constituency to vote for him and other ADC candidates including Senator Monsurat Sunmonu massively on February 16 and repeat same on March 2, 2019 when it would be time for governorship and state House of Assembly election.
