In a decisive push to consolidate support ahead of Saturday’s Ibadan North federal constituency by-election, Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide, on Thursday stormed all 12 wards of the constituency in a vigorous last minute campaign mop-up rally. He pleaded with residents to vote massively for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle (Don).
The lawmaker, who represents Ibadan Northwest/Ibadan Southwest federal constituency of Oyo State at the House of Representatives, described the election as “a straight fight between the prosperity driven PDP and the hunger and poverty stricken APC.” He urged voters to reject what he called “the suffocating misrule of the All Progressives Congress in Nigeria.”
Addressing enthusiastic electorates in Yemetu, Sango and One market among others, Olajide said the APC had left “a trail of tears, empty kitchens and broken dreams” in Oyo State before Governor Seyi Makinde rescued the people through purposeful governance.
He noted that returning the APC to power, even in a single constituency, would amount to “opening the floodgates of suffering” once again.
“This election is not just about electing Don as your representative, it is about rejecting the politics of starvation, deceit and oppression. The APC is a party that thrives on the misery of the common man. They take your source of livelihood away from you, then return with empty promises,” Olajide reiterated.
He reminded residents that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration had transformed Oyo state through massive infrastructural renewal, unprecedented investments in education, health and security, as well as a deliberate policy of inclusive economic growth.
“Under Governor Makinde, Oyo State is working for the people. But APC, both at the federal and across the states where they rule are always working against the people. Look around Oyo State, roads are being fixed on a daily basis, schools are better equipped, salaries are paid as and when due. Compare this to APC’s record of unpaid wages, abandoned projects and endless excuses,” Olajide said.
The two term PDP lawmaker accused the APC of lacking credibility and moral standing to solicit votes in Ibadan North, citing their “serial betrayals, anti-people policies and unending internal squabbles” as proof that the party had nothing to offer the people of the federal constituency.
“A party that cannot feed its own members cannot feed the people. A party whose leaders jump ship at the sight of political convenience has no vision for your future. APC has nothing for Ibadan North except to turn back the clock of progress,” he stated.
He urged voters to turn out en-masse on saturday, vote and protect their votes, warning against any attempt to manipulate the electoral process.
“This is our time to send a loud message to Abuja and their local cronies, that Ibadan North is not for sale. PDP represents your hope, your dignity and your future. Reject APC’s bag of hunger, embrace PDP’s basket of prosperity,” Olajide charged.
