…says last election peaceful, free, fair, credible, acceptable in Ogun

Political parties under the aegis of Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC), Ogun State chapter, have unanimously endorsed the second term ambition of Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Speaking at a meeting with the governor at his Iperu country home on Tuesday, the State Chairman of IPAC and People’s Redemption Party state chairman, Mr. Samson Okusanya said the governor, being a disciplined and focused man, has, through his words and actions, brought peace and development to the state.

“We have come to pay a visit to our governor as the Chief Executive and the Chief Security Officer of the state. We are here to congratulate him for his exemplary leadership and, most especially, for the peaceful conduct of the presidential and National Assembly elections.

“The elections in Ogun were free, fair and acceptable to all of us. We, the registered political parties, are in support of the governor. We are happy as a body to come and assure you that your second term is inevitable. We shall support you in the gubernatorial election.

“We have observed all the processes. The state has enjoyed the peaceful co-existence among all the political parties. We are here to appreciate you for a job well done, “he stated.

Okusanya attributed the success of the APC at the presidential election to the hard work, discipline and consistency of the governor who brought peace to the electioneering processes as there was a level playing field for every party to campaign without molestation.

Responding, Governor Abiodun said he has lowered the political temperature in the state by focusing on issues-based campaigns as he believed that people are free to join any party of their choice.

“Since we believe that our performance will speak for us, we have no need to stop people from joining any political party of their choice and marketing their parties for votes.

“As an industrial hub, the state must be peaceful for people to live and do business. We cannot allow insecurity because it will affect investments.

“I want to appreciate you for testifying that the elections were peaceful. All our candidates won convincingly, and our presidential candidate won overwhelmingly, and other parties did not win up to 20 per cent.

“You have endorsed my continuation in office because of the fact that we executed people-oriented programmed and policies. Being from another party and not from our own party gives you the opportunity to assess our performance critically, and I am sure this has not been an easy task for you, “the governor said.

He further appreciated other political parties for not seeing elections as a do-or-die affairs, but have complemented the state government in maintaining peace through cooperation and collaboration, pledging to continue the implementation of his vision through the ISEYA Agenda.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Labour party, Oluwafemi Arambambi, lauded the state government for creating a conducive environment for all parties to campaign without any form of attack.

Arambambi who adjudged the Presidential and National Assembly elections as free, fair and credible in the state, said his party would not support the cancellation of the elections or any act that would truncate the electoral process in the country.

The meeting was attended by representatives of National and state officials of APP, APGA, SDP, YPP, Accord Party, PRP, and Boot Party, among others.