PHOTOS: Oke-ogun PDP candidates visit Oyo Deputy Gov ahead of LG election

The ten Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates for chairmanship and vice chairmanship, on Friday, visited the office of the Deputy Governor, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, to express their gratitude to him and his boss, Governor Seyi Makinde for their support.

The candidates equally reiterated their readiness to deliver their respective local government in the forthcoming 2024 local government election, scheduled to hold on Saturday 27th April.

Speaking at the Deputy Governor’s office, the chairmanship candidate of Kajola LG, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, Mustapha Olawale described Barr. Lawal as the leader of the party in Oke-ogun adding that their visit is basically to appreciate his support and that of Gov Seyi Makinde since their nomination. 

Olawale who outlined some of the difficulties each candidate is facing however noted that opposition parties are threatening people everywhere and is prepared to incite violence, calling for adequate security for the upcoming poll. 

According to him, there are strong signs that all PDP candidates will win the election, in line with Governor Makinde’s assurances given at the party’s flag-off in Ido local government.

While praying for a continuous smooth relationship between the governor and his deputy, he promised that the candidates won’t betray the trust placed in them when they assumed office. 

However, in his goodwill message, Adekunle Rafiu, the Chairman of the Pension Board and a prominent PDP figure in the zone, stated that strength lay in unity emphasizing that ratification of candidates was based on elders decision in the zone. 

While admonishing the candidates to be wholly committed to Governor Makinde’s administration, he added that the Deputy Governor was really concerned about the development of Oyo state.

He, however, appealed to the candidates to deliver on their mandate and ensure that their people enjoy good governance ahead of the 2027 election. 

He said: “We must be loyal to the government of Oyo state and not individuals. Let us rewrite the history of Oke-ogun state and be united. We must key into the vision of Governor Makinde. We must not allow ourselves to be divided.”

At the meeting, Barrister Bisi Adeniyi, the commissioner for Establishment and Training, noted that since Barrister Lawal took on the role of deputy governor, Oke-ogun stakeholders and elders had visited him and pledged to recognise him as the zone’s leader and a high-ranking official in the government. 

He emphasized that members are the party’s symbol and that everything must be done to move the party forward, saying their meeting with the deputy governor was primarily about the party’s progress. 

Barrister Adeniyi however appealed to the Deputy Governor to ensure that a meeting is held every three months to review the party’s progress in the zone and to have chairmen share any difficulties they may be facing.

Expressing gratitude for their visit, the deputy governor, who congratulated the chairmen on their successful nomination, assured them of adequate security in the forthcoming election. 

He said the party is not conceding any single unit of local government for opposition party which was in line with the remarks of Governor Seyi Makinde at Ido campaign flag off.

The Deputy Governor equally noted that the Government will give adequate support to ensure that the party win overwhelmingly whilst assuring that other logistics would also be put in place. 

He said: “This is the first time I will be meeting with all the candidates from Oke-ogun. I have never bothered anyone to let them know that I compiled the list. I don’t need it. All I want is the progress of the party. So, I congratulate you all. 

“As from next week after your emergence, pls stay in your local government and relate with your leaders and members in your local government. Your commitment to the party is very important. It’s is this commitment that has really made two candidates that contested for house of assembly to be picked. 

“So, we seek for your loyalty, support and cooperation with the government after the election. In unity lies our strength and we will make sure we are meeting once in a while for the development of each local government m. Be rest assured that we will win the forthcoming local government election. 

The Deputy Governor however made a donation to each of the local government chairmen and wished them a successful journey back to their respective destinations.

The meeting was attended by Oyo North Senatorial Chairman, Hon. Yusuf and top government functionaries.