Ololade Adeyanju/
A new aspirant has emerged on the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 governorship race in Oyo State.
Declaring his intentions to contest the PDP governorship ticket at a political gathering in Ibadan today, Popoola Olukayode Joshua, said he has what it takes to defeat the incumbent (Gov. Seyi Makinde) at the party’s primary.
His speech at the event reads, “Dear supporters, let me start with words of appreciation for your steadfastness and commitments to this struggle, despite intimidations, harassment and even risk of life. I appreciate you all. When we consider where we are coming from and where we are today in our dear party, you will agree with me that there is need for our party members and the good people of the pacesetter state to consider need to move the state forward.
“Development of any nation largely depends on security of lives and properties. Our party is known for peace and development but today, reverse is the case in Oyo state. None of us is secured again. This is simply because we empowered trouble makers.
“In as much as I agree that security in Nigeria is a national issue, we all know that the magnitude of insecurity in the north is not applicable in the south but ours is handmade. That is why we need a TRUE son of the land like POJ who knows the plight of his people to take over at this stage.
“On economy, for how long can we continue to borrow money for payment of salaries? For how long can we empower strangers from Osun state to determine our fate in Oyo state? This government yet to tell us why the state accountant general was arrested and detained. The only statement the government made was EFCC is harassing them. Is that an harassment ? They pretending to be saint when they are even worse than devil. We want accountability not pretence.
“We must ask the state government some pertinent questions about the promises they made on security, welfare, job creation, infrastructural development, health care, and women’s right.
“As we are ruminating on these questions, I want to tell you dear supporters that today is not time to exhaust our need to get alternative to represent us in 2023 governorship election in our dear party, today is for another business.
“In the face of the aforementioned, with great enthusiasm, love for our state, fierce commitment to a vision of rapid progress, and encouragement of family, friends, associates, and well-wishers, I offer myself and declare to contest the 2023 governorship election in Oyo State on the platform of our party, the PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY ( PDP). I am equipped to defeat the Incumbent.
“I am inspired by the courage and achievements of all the leaders who have charted the path of development for our great state. I have decided, to quote the immortal words of the late US president John F. Kennedy, “politics is too important to be left to the politicians.”
“For strangers who have ignorantly taken over our party and refused to learn, Peoples Democratic Party has been established as a grassroots party of the workers, artisans, middle-class professionals, and all those who desire the progressive development of Nigeria.
“The manifesto of our great party is earning not only the respect but also the admiration and envy of the international community in every field of human endeavor. These are the values that I believe in. Therefore , our area of focus shall be on the Improvement of the economy of the state. Improved health system, infrastructural development, security of lives and properties, and qualitative education.
“Let me conclude by asking everyone to get their voters cards and make sure they com out to vote, Popoola Olukayode Joshua as the next governor of Oyo State come 2023.
“I, Popoola Olukayode Joshua have come to assure every party faithfuls here present, other members of our great party, and the entire citizens of Oyo state that we shall have the pacesetter state of our dream, if I am elected.
“Thank you and God bless.”
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