Published
on August 13, 2022
The deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Hon Adekunle Akinlade, has said he owes all his political attainments to former Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s political family.
Akinlade was the anointed candidate of Amosun in 2019, when he contested under the platform of the Allied People’s Movement (APM).
The former House of Representatives member returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC) after the election and contested the 2023 governorship primary with Governor Dapo Abiodun.
After the primary, Akinlade dumped the APC for the PDP, alleging that the leadership of the party failed to allow a free and fair primary and to honour a sharing formula recommended by the party’s reconciliation committee.
He, thereafter, became the running to Hon. Ladi Adebutu of the PDP.
But, it appears Amosun was not pleased with Akinlade’s defection as the former governor is reportedly planning to sponsor another candidate in a new party.
In a statement he personally signed on Saturday, Akinlade appreciated the people of Ogun and his fellow Amosun political family members for their understanding and patience on the issue, which he said had almost demystified the greatness in them in the last few weeks.
While apologizing for what he called the seeming shortcomings on their part, the PDP candidate commended the people for their steadfastness and support over the years.
He said, “My dear good people of Ogun State and most importantly, the SIA political family to which I owe my political attainments to date, I say thank you for your understanding and patience regarding unfolding in-house political events that have almost demystified the greatness in us in the last 5 weeks or so.
“As leaders, I must sincerely apologize for the seeming shortcomings on our part, as I applaud your steadfastness, cooperation and support over the years, without which none of us, be it leader or protégé, would be here today.
“Meanwhile, one of the lessons that this unfortunate development has brought to light is that accumulation of material riches or political influence, regardless of how high, does not immune one from the fatal fate of a mortal.”
Speaking further, Akinlade maintained that the primary focus of everyone must be Ogun State and the way the collective heritage, wealth and resources of the state are being managed in the past three years” “hence, the need to influence a change in the political architecture of this State come March 11th, 2023.”
Akinlade expressed worry that “our IGR has dropped astronomically, not because taxes are not paid, but for lack of responsive leadership. The level of insecurity across the state is alarming and scary because the perpetrators are practically being indulged for political patronage.”
The Ipokia indigene stated that the focus now should not be who leads what faction or what platform an individual chooses to actualize his political aspiration, but it should be the ability, resourcefulness and courage of that individual to take a stand in the interest of all.
To this end, he explained that he and Adebutu have carefully reviewed the present status of the State and resolved to redirect the trajectory to a true, all-inclusive and purposeful governance from day one.
He assured that Adebutu, when elected, would make himself available to be held accountable, unlike what obtains under the APC.
“He (Adebutu) shall hold in trust and deploy your resources in line with the tenets of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the betterment of Ogun state.
“His administration shall return power to the Local Government Areas and encourage self development of elected officials at all levels. Unions shall be empowered, recognized as partners in progress rather than tools as it is the case today. Community oriented infrastructural development shall be implemented unlike the present cosmetic “Yellow” roofs that adorn sketchy spots in the state.
“All in all, regardless of the change of my political affiliation and convictions, I shall continue to honour those who saw in me the qualities and ability to speak truth to power.”
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