This press briefing has become necessary in other to inform, friends, political associates, especially our good members of PDP Support Group ( PSG) as their State coordinator, all well wishers and the good people of Ondo State of my resolve to formally move from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).
I must confess that the decision to move was not a very easy one owing partly to the fact that I will be leaving behind a political party that I have grown to love and cherished, coupled with the fact that I shall now have to say good bye to some very fantastic personalities with whom I shared great moments and for whom I still have profound respect.
Contrary to insinuations, I and my team are not moving because we have been wronged by any of our leaders or the entire leadership or shut out of the party. If anything, we held the ace. We were still able to decide in conjunction with other stakeholders on what side the PDP pendulum swung in the state. infarct, we are the most priviledged. But there comes a time in the life of a man when he must begin to think not for himself alone but for posterity. I have come to that road where I must think not just about myself but must in terms of the impact I can wrath in my space, for my home town, my local government, my senatorial district and my state at large. I have come to the conclusion that I must now come to the progressive fold, that is currently in power at every strata of government, if indeed, I wish to contribute to the development of my people. I have been in the opposition here in the state for close to 15years now.
However, we have carefully studied the antecedents of the progressives, we equally watched the activities of a born progressive who has paid his dues as a progressive, Engr. Ade Adetimehin the State chairman. It is clear that our ethical leanings and political philosophy aligns.
The Governor of our dear state, Arakurin Odunayo Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, “Mr talk and do” whose strength of character, open mindedness, courage and bluntness continue to leave me in awe.
As an opposition politician then, I could not but commend the way “Aketi” handled the security threat that reared it ugly head in our state. His push for the creation of Western Nigerain Security Network (Amotekun), his ever present and reverberating voice for the Yoruba race during the turbulent times all endeared him to me.
In my senatorial district, the two major political parties, APC and PDP in the last general elections presented their best brains, business tycoon, well exposed, educated and the lovers of their people whose profundity confounds as senators of the federal Republic of Nigeria, Pastor Olajide Ipinsagba from Ikare Akoko and Akogun Adetokunbo Modupe from Owo (whom I was the Director General of his campaign.)
I must state it here that Sen. Jide Ipinshagba is a silent achiever with a fine touch of godliness and a philanthropist. His demeanor always betrays a man in love with the masses and ready to serve.
As if my federal constituency Akoko North East and West made a date with grace and special favour, the APC also returned for the second term, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo to the green chamber. I have not seen a young man so bright headed, cerebral, bold, humble and exposed. The gods moulded him almost perfectly with the right medley of character and competency. In his first four years, he raised the bar of representatives democracy with dividends and deliverables dotted across the length and breadth of the constituency and beyond, so much so that it became almost sacrilegious not to have him returned. He’s equally a young man that sees the future. In most of his campaigns I saw on social media then, he used to reiterate that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the most important election to him, not his own election. Now I can see
As a lover of development and progress, I have decided as part of my contribution to the wheels of progress that is rolling in my state to join these wonderful progressives in government as they continue to move the state forward.
It is very obvious that the Asiwaju presidency is going to be a breath of fresh and soothing air and I want to be part of the instrument of that succor.
Before I conclude this statement, let me use this opportunity to specially thank and sincerely appreciate the high Chief of Ikare land, the Olokeruwa of Ikare High Chief Deni Akerele, retired CBN director, former chairman Ondo state waste management Board, former chairman ASCAPAINT , former coordinator SURE-P, who is always standing behind me as a father figure in my political journey. He loves me unconditionally. Recently, he gave me a name ” the Agbeti of Akoko politics” My appreciation also goes to all our respected leaders here for believing in me. I can’t thank you enough.
Today after this press conference, the stakeholders of the APC will be officially welcoming us into their fold. I Know very well that the decision we make today will no doubt be to the great advantage of a greater number of my followers in whose interests I have taken this step and I urge all those following me into the APC today to live within the party, observing and keeping to the rules of the party at all levels and in addition respect the leadership and the structure of the APC.
Thank you so much and God bless you all.
I am Bode Obanla