Ahead of the much expected gubernatorial Primaries of the All Progressives Congress, APC, scheduled for next week Tuesday, former governor Adebayo Alao-Akala has called on delegates to consider three criteria in making the final decision that will seal their fate for the next four years.
Alao-Akala gave this advice while addressing delegates from the four local governments areas of Oyo federal constituency during his familiarisation tour to formally intimate party faithful in the area of his gubernatorial intentionand to seek their support during the primary election.
According to him, experience, motive and antecedents of those jostling to occupy the number one seat in the state should be critically considered before choosing from amongst them all.
Alao-Akala explained that these criteria are his selling points which place him far and above other candidates in the contest.
Hear him: “I posses all the stated qualities and I make bold to say that none of my co-contestants can match me in any.
“I have been on that seat as a governor hence the experience to hit the ground running upon assumption of office is there, I have antecedents I can point at as my achievements right from when I was a local government chairman to deputy governor then to an elected governor which place me far and above others and I have a clear cut motive for vying for this position which is the continuous progress of Oyo state.
“I have tasted the perks of office as a governor hence it is not about wanting power by force. What is at stake now is the Oyo state project,” he stated.
The former governor who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, between 2007 – 2011 and is seeking another term of four years further urged the delegates to shun all forms of monetary inducement, resist intimidation and harassment before, during and after the prmary elections and ensure their votes count.
Alao-Akala described the rumours making the rounds, alleging Governor Abiola Ajimobi of having plans to impose a particular aspirant on the delegates as unfounded and the handiwork of mischief makers from the opposition political parties who, he said, are hell bent on disintegrating the peaceful and progressive relationship between him and the governor.
“I can categorically tell you without mincing words that Governor Ajimobi has no such plans.
“I have met with him severally both as a former governor and as an aspirant in this election and we have discussed and fashioned out ways of ensuring a peaceful process during the primaries.
“They all want me to join their political parties but I have told I am not interested, I enjoy a robust working relationship with Governor Ajimobi who accords me all the respect I deserve as a former governor of the state which I still enjoy as an aspirant so what will make me abandon a glass house for a dungeon,” he queried.
“Ajimobi is a fine gentleman with an enviable track record and also a true democrat who lives by his words. Those maligning him are afraid of the future and what it holds for them.
“Their plans is to destabilize us in APC but we are wiser than them and their antics. We are waxing stronger by the day and I can assure you by the time I emerge as the flagbearer of the APC next week, virtually all of them will abandon their wrecked opposition ship and move to our great party,” he declared.
