A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State, Asiwaju Rotimi Ajanaku, has expressed optimism that the party nominee for the vacant position of the deputy national chairman, South, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has the ability to bring sanity and stability to the party ahead of the 2023 general elections.
This is as he also cautioned aggrieved party members, who are opposing the nomination of the former governor of Oyo State, urging them to tread with caution.
Ajanaku said this in Ibadan while speaking with journalists on the raging uproar associated with the nomination of Ajimobi and other issues affecting APC.
He said: “The nomination of Senator Abiola Ajimobi for the vacant position of the party’s Deputy National Chairman, South, is a good development. In actual fact, if competency would be considered above all Ajimobi remains number one contender and he’s the best for the position putting every variables into consideration.
“There are some qualities we can’t take away from him, whether we like or hate him. He is a leader with distinct values, highly intelligent, very brave; he has a good health, he can work round the clock and he has joined the respected club of statesmen.
“Ajimobi cannot be intimidated by anyone. If truly we want our party to survive beyond 2023 as against the prediction of some members that the party would cease to exist by 2023, then a leader who would not be easily manipulated should be elected.”
The Asiwaju Odo O’odua also called on those opposing Ajimobi’s nomination to allow peace to reign, advising them to put their differences aside and work together to put a competent man at the helm of affairs to lead the southern region to enviable level.
His words: “As human, we all are free to our opinions and choices, of course, that’s the beauty of democracy. However, the interest of our people, especially our future, that is, the youths of this region must be given consideration above our personal interest. Though we have differences, ability to resolve our differences amicably and move on progressively distinguished us from other lower animals.
“There is no saint among us, we cross ourselves at one time or the other. Especially as a political office holder, tendency to wrong people is high, and it takes good mind to overlook shortcomings of others.
“But dwelling in the past keeps us from moving forward. My appeal goes to everyone to put whatever we have against Senator Abiola Ajimobi behind us, let’s build the party together and work tirelessly to ensure the party field qualified, dedicated and reliable candidates in the next elections who will render selfless service to better the lot of the masses in Nigeria.
“Having a competent leader to represent the Southern parts is vital, cases of uneven distribution of power and resources, will be well taken care of. Ajimobi’s relationship with northern political leaders will be a great advantage in lobbying them as stakeholders for support on decisions that can have great impact on the well-being of the southern region and its people. Surrendering the control of the party to those who in their mind do not see APC surviving beyond President Buhari’s regime would be suicidal. Meaning, asking them to lead a vision they trusted not.
“There is one thing I want us to realise, Senator Ajimobi did not lobby nor bribe anyone for his nomination. Even as at the time of his nomination he was busy putting every machinery together rebuilding the party in Oyo State, also rallying supports and standing solidly behind the local government councils chairmen against injustice.”
