The Labour Party (LP) in Oyo State and its governorship candidate, Tawfiq Akinwale has disagreed over endorsement of Governor Seyi Makinde.
LP claimed to have endorsed Makinde, who is the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, ahead of March 11 Governorship election in the interest of people.
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But Akinwale maintained that he would never be part of the endorsement, adding he remained the gubernatorial candidate of the party..
Oyo LP chairman, Sodiq Atayese, while addressing journalists at the party Secretariat in Molete, Ibadan noted Makinde’s endorsement came after the party considered his achievements, adding that the Governor deserves to be re-elected.
He said: “We think the right thing for us to do is to come together and form an alliance with a candidate whose ideology and manifesto is similar to ours. Makinde remains the only candidate that will serve our interest.
“We as LP have decided to support Makinde with our structure across the 33 local government of the state, we assure him of our support because he has distinguish himself as an outstanding Governor.”
Atayese however said Akinwale remained gubernatorial candidate of LP, adding that all LP House of Assembly candidates are still contesting their positions.
But Akinwale in a statement expressed schock about the antics of the chairman who lead some candidates of the party to declare support for Makinde.
He said: “I, Tawfiq Tayo Akinwale hereby declare and reemphasise that I did not and will not step down for any candidate or party be it outgoing Seyi Makinde or any other person, my people, your support, efforts, and prayers have pushed us this far and I will not betray you all for any reason.”
“I want to advise anyone planning to sell out the struggles, efforts, resources, time, and sweats of many of my ardent supporters and lovers of the Labour Party to quickly cancel such plans to avert the anger of God upon them.”
“It is in your best interest, Sodiq Atayese not to attempt to sell out Labour Party in Oyo State. We will not allow any individual no matter his/her status within and outside the Labour Party shortchange us and the will of the masses.”
“I remain committed to winning this election and by the grace of God and the support I have enjoyed so far, Victory is certain. The oppositions have seen this sign of victory and that is why they are doing everything possible to manipulate and change the unchangeable God’s plan.”
“This is an assurance that I, Tawfiq Tayo Akinwale of the Labour Party will win the governorship election come March 11, 2023, by the grace of God and the support of all the good people of Oyo State.”
“I urge you all to remain resolute with me as we enter d-day with confidence and assurance of victory. No man can stop God’s work, not even the Chairman of any party.”
“This should serve as a warning to whom it may concern, any attempt to shortchange the sweat of innocent supporters of the Labour Party and TTA will be met with huge resistance by men and God, it is not too late for anyone who wishes to join us as we embark on the journey to return good governance to the people of Oyo state.”
“We are watching and the world is watching. Labour Party’s victory is non-negotiable in Oyo State, no retreat, no surrender. We remain focused and ready to win come March 11, 2023.”
“I urge all our supporters, party members, and lovers of TTA to troop out in mass on Saturday to vote Labour Party, this is where we get the crown, and here we will be crowned by God’s grace.”