Major opposition political leaders in Oyo State led
by former state Governor Rasheed Ladoja, on Tuesday said they were on a rescue
mission to salvage the state from alleged misrule of the All Progressives
Congress (APC).
The leaders which included the gubernatorial
candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Seyi Makinde; the African Democratic
Congress (ADC), Senator Olufemi Lanlehin; the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Chief
Sharafadeen Alli; the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief Bolaji Ayorinde SAN,
and the New Progressive Movement (NPM), retired Col. Edward Ladoye, also said
there is the need to install a new government in the state on May 29.
The gubernatorial candidates who addressed journalists
at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Press Centre in Ibadan, stepped down
for Makinde of the PDP as their consensus candidate for this weekend election.
Lanlehin and Alli, however, asked their supporters
to vote for House of Assembly candidates of their respective political parties
across the 32 constituencies in the state.
Lanlehin, who read a prepared text on behalf of
other candidates, said the idea of the coalition was to restore the pride,
progress and prosperity of the state.
According to him, "It is a statement of fact
that the people of the state have been subjected to maladministration for the
past eight years. We are respective governorship candidates of our political
parties.
"We officially agree and wholeheartedly accept
the coalition of the opposition parties. In equal measure, we endorse Makinde of
the PDP as the sole candidate of the coalition. Though it is a difficult
decision considering our contributions to our various ambitions in our various
parties, no sacrifice is too much for the liberation of our state and the emancipation
of our people. This vision is in the interest of the people."
Makinde, while accepting his endorsement, assured
them that he would not betray the intention of the coalition.
He said: "History is actually being made here
today. This is the political capital of Nigeria, not only the Southwest. We
have gathered to rescue our people with a common purpose. It's been a very hard
period to negotiate this arrangement.
"I promise that the intent of our coming
together will be fully implemented when I become the governor. I am humbled
because all these gentlemen who stepped down for me are more qualified. As our
people go out to vote next Saturday, two things are to be noted.
"Two Saturdays ago, the people of Oyo south
rejected Governor Abiola Ajimobi. The entire people of the state should also
reject him because Bayo Adelabu is the third term agenda of Ajimobi. I thank you all, especially my father Osi
Olubadan, and Senator Ladoja who made this a reality."
Ladoja later presented Makinde to the gathering just
as other candidates joined him in raising his hand in endorsement.
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