2019: Senator Raji Rasaki’s Kinsmen in Ado Ekiti Endorse Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (M.O.B)
In what could be aptly branded as a general consensus in the Local Government, members of the All Progressives Congress in Ado Ekiti Council , on Friday declared their support for a senatorial aspirant in Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele.
Bamidele’s main challenger and present occupant of the senatorial seat in Abuja, Senator Fatima Raji-Rasaki , hails from Ado Ekiti the capital city of Ekiti State .
Party stalwarts spoke admirably of Bamidele and described the upcoming senatorial primaries as a mission accompli for Opeyemi Bamidele basing their support on the need to reward the former federal lawmaker who naturally has a tradition of delivery for his scintillating record of achievements in the party.
The plethora of endorsements came in Ado Ekiti yesterday when Bamidele’s campaign train berthed in the capital city, the event that attracted party’s crème-de la-creme across the council.
Those present at the event held at Okesa include: Former Chairman of the party in Ado LG, Chief David Adigun, Mr. Mike Akinleye, former Council Chairperson, Mrs Tosin Aluko Ajisafe, Former Special Adviser on Political Matters, Mr. Demola Bello, Ex-Special Adviser, Bosun Osaloni, Chief Ayodeji Babatola, Chief Remi Oguntuase, Mr. Tope Osatoyinbo, Mr Isiaka Ogundipe, Hon David Taiwo, among others.
These party chieftains present urged Bamidele to ignore the widespread rumour that Senator Rasaki would be imposed ont the people of Ekiti Central Senatorial District, assuring that the Senator would be embarrassed by the quantum of votes that would be delivered for the Iyin Ekiti born politician in the upcoming senatorial primaries.
Mr Akinleye said Bamidele remains one of the most reliable politicians in the State, whose enormous contributions to the progressive cause had led to the sustenance of the progressive politics in the state since the advent of democracy in 1999.
The former APC boss in Ado Ekiti Local Government added that the party in the council had taken a firm decision to deliver a block vote of support to Bamidele in the primaries , regardless of whether his main challenger, is from the town or not.
The APC chieftain said: “We have resolved to endorse Hon Opeyemi Bamidele by consensus but they said someone is contesting against him. Don’t rely on rumour milling the rounds that someone has been adopted or will be imposed, we remain for you.
“Ado Ekiti is for you and our support is unshakable . You have paid your dues in Ekiti APC. You are not just a leader in Ekiti APC, but in Nigeria. You have assumed national posture and your politics has gone beyond the shores of Ekiti. We are for you and we assure that you will get there”, he stated.
Former Council Chairperson, Mrs Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, who showered encomiums on Bamidele said even those in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) were appreciative of those lofty achievements the aspirant brought to Ekiti during his four-year reign in the House of Representatives.
“Hon Opeyemi Bamidele is acceptable to all Ekiti indigenes across party lines. Even when I was in the PDP, he never discriminated against us. He would do whatever he did for APC for any PDP person. He is widely loved by everybody for his humility, generosity and detribalised nature.
“We in Ado Ekiti will follow you. You deserve it because you are a leader to all of us in Ekiti, not just for APC alone. Let me say this, your election is sure and by February next year you shall be elected through popular votes by voters in Ekiti Central”, she said.
Former Special Adviser in Ekiti State, Mr Demola Bello added that Hon Bamidele has carved a niche for himself in the politics of the State and that his political tentacles have spread beyond the Ekiti Central enclave.
Bello said the votes from Ado Ekiti in the primary will be total for the aspirant , saying his records in Ekiti politics has become a reference point to other politicians in terms of achievements and services to humanity.
“You are not only appreciated in Ekiti but across Nigeria. If you have nothing to offer, would you have been made a Special Adviser and Commissioner in Lagos? Even when you got to the House of Representatives, you headed one of the most sensitive committees.
“Your victory in the coming primary is sure. Ado Ekiti has spoken with one loud voice and the decision taken was unanimous that we must deliver our votes for you in the Direct Primary”, he disclosed.
Bamidele while responding appreciated Ado Ekiti APC and electorate for voting for him to be able to represent Ado/Irepodun/Ifelodun Federal constituency in 2011 and the 2014 governorship election, when he contested for the governorship on the platform of the Labour Party.
He said he never had misgiving that Ado Ekiti people would vote for him in the primary, taking cognizance of their consistent support for his political aspiration since venturing into Ekiti politics in 2007.
“I am not doubting your support, Ado Ekiti people occupied a higher space in my heart. They are predominantly responsible for my achievements in politics. In 2011, they voted for me massively, infact, their votes sent jitters up the spines of the then PDP candidate.
“I want to appeal to you to vote for me in the primary to once again demonstrate your love for me and when I get there, I will be guided by the same the tenets and principles that ensured that I did not fail or disappoint you as a member of the House Of Representatives, meaning my tenure as Senator will surely deliver good tidings of democracy to the benefit of all” , Bamidele assured.
#bamidele4senate