The need for opposition political parties to forge a common front in Oyo State came to the fore on Saturday, as the campaign train of Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in the state met a procession of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youths on a road walk at Sabo area of Ibadan.
What ordinarily would have been a violent encounter were it other political parties became an atmosphere of felicitations, as the two groups exchanged pleasantries.
Lanlehin, on tour of Ibadan North Local Government Area of the state, was hailed by the PDP youths, with members of his team returning same affectionately.
“We need to collaborate to chase out the All Progressives Congress (APC). We are a family; we can’t fight,” said one of the youths.
Lanlehin who later paid homage to Seriki Sabo, Alhaji Ahmed Zungeru, promised the people of the area, a government that “truly cares.”
Urging voters to elect his party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in all elections coming up next week, Lanlehin, while speaking at Adeoyo Yemetu area, reminded voters of the need to consider the credibility and antecedents of candidates on the ADC’s platform.
He said: “our presidential candidate is Dr Obadiah Mailafia; so, vote for him. Vote Biola Ladoja for House of Representatives, re-elect Senator Soji Akanbi for Oyo South.”
The ADC governorship candidate, who also presented Gaphar Ojetola and Olusegun Olaleye, House of Assembly candidates for Ibadan North Constituencies 1 and 2 to the excited supporters, congratulated voters on the imminent arrival of an ADC-led, people-centred government.
Receiving thousands of defectors led by Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP) state Woman Leader, Mrs Bola Fiditi into the ADC fold, Lanlehin charged them to work assiduously for the success of all ADC candidates, promising them due recognition at the appropriate time.
“We shall ensure potable water starts flowing in all homes in Oyo State. We shall do that using existing dams,” Lanlehin assured.
The campaign train left Oke Aremo for Cultural Centre, Sabo, Oke Itunu, Sango, Apete, Agbaje, Bodija and environs.
On Lanlehin’s train was former state deputy governor, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; Honourable Wale Adegoke; Chief Lowo Obisesan, Chief Oluseye Opatoki and Honourable Gbenga Olayemi.
Also in attendance was former deputy speaker, Honourable Babatunde Olaniyan; Lasun Adebunmi, Basiru Lawal, Ladi Oluokun, and many other party chieftains.
