A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State, Asiwaju Rotimi Ajanaku, has described the party nominee for the vacant position of the deputy national Chairman, South, Senator Abiola Ajimobi as a personality capable of bringing sanity and stability to the party ahead of 2023 general elections.
Ajanaku stated this in Ibadan while answering questions from journalists who sought his reactions over Ajimobi’s nomination as well as other issues affecting APC.
He also cautioned aggrieved party members opposing the nomination of the former governor, advising them to tread with caution.
“The nomination of Senator Abiola Ajimobi for the vacant position of the party’s Deputy National Chairman, South, is a good development. In actual fact, if competency would be considered above all, Ajimobi remains number one contender and he’s the best for the position putting every variables into consideration.
“There are some qualities we can’t take away from him, whether we like or hate him. He’s a leader with distinct values, highly intelligent, very brave, he has a good health, he can work round the clock and he has joined the respected club of “statesmen”. Ajimobi can’t be intimidated by anyone. If truly we want our party to survive beyond 2023 as against the prediction of some members that the party would cease to exist by 2023, then a leader who wouldn’t be easily manipulated should be elected .
Meanwhile, Ajanaku has also called on those opposing Ajimobi’s nomination to allow peace to reign. He advised them to put their differences aside and work together to put a competent man at the helm of affairs to lead the southern regions to enviable level.
“As human, we all are free to our opinions and choices, of course, that’s the beauty of democracy. However, the interest of our people, especially our future, that is, the youths of this region must be given consideration above our personal interest. Though we have differences, but ability to resolve our differences amicably and move on progressively distinguished us from other lower animals.
“There is no saint among us, we fight ourselves at one time or the other. Especially as a political office holder, tendency to offend each others is high, and it takes good mind to overlook shortcomings of others. But dwelling on the past keeps us from moving forward. My appeal goes to everyone to put whatever we have against Senator Abiola Ajimobi behind us, let’s build the party together and work tirelessly to ensure the party field qualified, dedicated and reliable candidates in the next elections who will render selfless service to better the lots of the masses in Nigeria.
“Today, we have quite a number of our party leaders aspiring to become deputy national vice chairman but sadly, very few live up to the leadership ideals. In fact, many of these leaders seem to severely lack some of the most important leadership qualities. This has been a major problem depriving the South of some rights and benefits from the national body as well as the presidency as a ruling party.
“Having a competent leader to represent the Southern parts is vital, cases of uneven distribution of power and resources, will be well taken care of. Ajimobi’s relationship with northern political leaders will be a great advantage in lobbying them as stakeholders for support on decisions that can have great impact on the well-being of the southern region and its people. Surrendering the control of the party to those who in their mind do not see APC surviving beyond President Buhari’s regime would be suicidal. Meaning, asking them to lead a vision they trusted not.
“There’s one thing I want us to realise, Senator Ajimobi didn’t lobby nor bribe anyone for his nomination. Even as at the time of his nomination he was busy putting every machinery together rebuilding the party in Oyo State, also rallying supports and standing solidly behind the local government councils chairmen against injustice. Ironically, those who make good political leaders are often those who least want the position in the first place! These are individuals who do not seek power but who have authority conferred upon them by others who value their judgement as it’s the case with Ajimobi’s nomination.
“My support for the ex-governor is premise on my conviction that he can resist the various temptations and lures of the political arena, he’s of strong character, with both conscience and charisma. He has the courage to stand up and say what needs to be said – rather than just tell the general public what it wants to hear. We know him to be someone who is willing to make difficult (and possibly unpopular) decisions for the greater good. He won’t take what is similar to his views as facts and base his decisions on that.
“Another key leadership qualities that stand Senator Abiola Ajimobi out is the ability to take responsibility. A lot of political leaders are very adept at pointing the finger at everyone else but he’s able to accept responsibility for his mistakes, admit his political failures and acknowledge his own contribution to a problem. This he exhibited recently during the party reconciliation process. He’s always ready to be honest and responsible for his own actions and decisions and willing to admit when he’s made a mistake. He’s a self actualized leader.
“He’s not into hiding the truth for the sake of looking good. He says it as it is even if it feels uncomfortable for many to hear it. He is not a people pleaser in a sense that he would say anything to please others even if that means manipulating or misguiding the public. It takes a lot of courage to do this and he has that courage.”
Ajanaku also advised Ajimobi to see himself as a father to all, not Oyo APC members alone but including those from other southern states and Nigeria in general.
“With the new responsibilities, my advice to his Excellency is not to relent on his efforts to bring together every APC member, get every rancour or dispute settled and ensure peace reign among members, not only in Oyo State but all the southern states and even other parts of the country. With Ajimobi, a man with lion heart, as the Deputy National Chairman for the Southern region we the southerners are sure of relevancy and playing important roles in the coming national government in 2023,” Ajanaku stated.
