An Ekiti state governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kayode Ojo has told the National Secretariat of the party, Ajibola Bashir that his decision to contest the ticket of the party with the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji was in response to clarion call the people who seek change.
TheHintsNews reports that Bashir was quoted to have said that obtaining a nomination form was a waste of resources because no vacancy exists in the Ekiti State Government House.
Ojo who is the Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, University Nigeria, Nsukka made this known while addressing journalists shortly after submitting his expression of interest and nomination forms at the APC national secretariat on Thursday in Abuja.
His words: “Contrary to a statement attributed to APC National Secretary (Ajibola Bashir) suggesting that obtaining a nomination form is a waste of resources because no vacancy exists in the Ekiti State Government House, I am here to inform our great party and the nation that the people of Ekiti are yearning for a change, calling for a rescuer and they want it now.
“The forms we submit today is a response to that clarion call. We are poised to effect the change.”
Ojo expressed confidence that he would win the October 27 APC primary election and next year’s Ekiti governorship election, saying he enjoyed the support of party members.
Ojo also promised to grant local autonomy and ensure the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
He stated: “Our agenda is clear and achievable. We will align with Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. We will unite party members, address grievances, and ensure their welfare.
“We will prudently utilise Ekiti’s resources to transform infrastructure, improve agriculture, education, and enhance welfare for teachers, students, civil servants, artisans, and all sectors.
“We will implement local government autonomy fully, develop Ado-Ekiti as a befitting state capital, and build Ekiti’s economy. We will never hand over what belongs to our party to those who do not share our progressive values. “
Ojo stressed that he was opened to any method the party would adopt for conduct of the governorship primaries but appealed for a level playing ground so that all aspirants can freely test their popularity.
“Our party leaders have stated that they will ensure the election of a popular candidate who can win, not someone who will struggle. I am that candidate. We enjoy the support of the majority of APC members in the state.
“We are confident of winning the primary and achieving a resounding victory in the general election. We seek only a level playing field from the National Executive, free of intimidation and harassment. Security operatives must ensure protection for all members as they campaign.”
Ojo assured that with him as the governor, Tinubu’s re-election would be secured.
He stated: “This election is about a leader capable of mobilising for the President’s ongoing reforms. not someone who will alienate the people through non. performance. We will unite all Ekiti people to support the President as he continues his reforms to elevate Nigeria.”