Rotimi Akeredolu (Right)
The All Progressives Congress yesterday forwarded the name of a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Rotimi Akeredolu to the Independent National Electoral Commission to represent the party in the November 28 gubernatorial race in Ondo State. In less than an hour after the news broke that Rotimi Akeredolu and Agboola Ajayi will be representing the All Progressives Congress, Ondo State in the forthcoming gubernatorial election, Akeredolu popularly known as Aketi released a touching piece about the intrigues and pains his 2016 political journey titled 'Aketi: The Rallying Point for the Faithful'.
This was published on his website, Aketi.org as well as his various social media platforms. The piece on his Facebook page when monitored by a correspondent of Tori.ng elicited congratulatory and sympathetic comments.
Read the full piece below:
The throw up from APC Ondo primaries has shown us who’s is who in the political landscape of Ondo State. The unnecessary bout which was a legitimate one has further enthroned the staunch support of party faithfuls who rose above money politics to give their votes to Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.
Soon as the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress set aside the one-sided appeal panel, the Aketi Campaign office at Oyemekun Road Akure was turned into a Mecca – a scenario which is now synonymous with the office since mechanisms for the primary elections were set in motion.
Soon as the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress set aside the one-sided appeal panel, the Aketi Campaign office at Oyemekun Road Akure was turned into a Mecca – a scenario which is now synonymous with the office since mechanisms for the primary elections were set in motion.
This, unlike the previous visits, was a show of ultimate commitment and dedication to a true party man and leader who has given all within his reach for the sustenance of the party since his sojourn into mainstream politics.
As news of the NWC’s nod for the winner of the September 3rd primary to proceed and fill INEC CF001 form which substantiates Aketi as the candidate of the APC in the 2016 Ondo gubernatorial election trickled in, the campaign office became literally electrified as series of activities began, to ensure the document was filled appropriately and diligently within a tight time frame.
As required, 50 individuals are required to sign the document with endorsements from 6 registered party members. These requirements, in the aftermath of the imbroglio, should be a daunting task that is hard to surmount. In contrast, as soon as the information arrived at the appropriate and concerned quarters, the party members, supporters and well wishers converged at the campaign office from all local governments of the state.
The resilient people of Irele and Ese-Odo local governments who arrived late around 11:30 pm and 12 midnight did so for obvious reasons beyond their control. They are from the farthest part of the state and have not enjoyed the dividends of government since the return to democracy. The people in these areas commute by boats and endure travelling through bad roads to connect with other parts of the state. Despite all these odds, they soldiered on and ensured they register their unflinching support.
These party loyalists stayed up till 3 am when the whole activity was concluded and ensured that the document which was required to be couriered back to Abuja by road was done immediately. The journey charted along an inevitable route through the infamous Owo-Akoko road which has become an embarrassment to the true sons and daughters of the state due to its neglect by the PDP led government.
An obstacle in the path of these brave pilgrims, the nature of the road was enough to put the couriers off but as a signage of Aketi’s unblemished acceptance, they moved on to show that AKETI remains the rallying point for the party faithfuls and thoroughbred progressives in the state.
All these culminated with the endorsement and submission of the nomination form to INEC at 5:03pm on Thursday, September 22nd.
Read his social media message to Nigerians:
The last few days have been daunting to say the least. We have left with our integrity intact and justice duly delivered. What can I say than to thank God who has done it again? God does not abandon his projects notwithstanding the challenges that may arise.
I make bold to say to my co aspirants in the APC, that we are all winners. None is vanquished. We are all victors. None is a loser. I hold the ticket of party in trust for all of you. I am not perfect. No one is. But I will make up for my imperfections by drawing from your collective strength. Together we shall work in one accord to achieve success in the November 26 Governorship Election.
Now is the time to pool our energy and resources and rescue our state from misery and misrule of the Peoples Democratic Party-led government. United we stand. United we shall be victorious.
The last few days have been daunting to say the least. We have left with our integrity intact and justice duly delivered. What can I say than to thank God who has done it again? God does not abandon his projects notwithstanding the challenges that may arise.
I make bold to say to my co aspirants in the APC, that we are all winners. None is vanquished. We are all victors. None is a loser. I hold the ticket of party in trust for all of you. I am not perfect. No one is. But I will make up for my imperfections by drawing from your collective strength. Together we shall work in one accord to achieve success in the November 26 Governorship Election.
Now is the time to pool our energy and resources and rescue our state from misery and misrule of the Peoples Democratic Party-led government. United we stand. United we shall be victorious.
Again I thank the Election Committee led by the Jigawa State Governor, Muhammed Abubakar Badaru and security agencies They created an enabling environment for a free and fair contest as attested to by the NWC a few hours ago.
I must especially thank APC National chairman, Chief Oyegun for making sure that justice was done to all parties in dispute.
– Akeredolu
No comments:
Post a Comment