As the search for running mate for the All Progressives Congress gubernatorial candidate, Oloye ‘Bayo Adelabu, a group within the APC- Oyo State Former Transition Committee Members, (O’FORTRACOM) has said Hon. Ajiboye Omodewu, the state commissioner for land, housing and survey, would be a perfect match.
Omodewu, who earlier stepped down from the governorship race, hails from Otu, headquarters of Itesiwaju local government, one of the 10 council areas in Okeogun zone of the state where the APC is expected to pick a Christian running mate for Adelabu.
A statement issued after its emergency meeting in Oyo town earlier on Tuesday they said that Omodewu, considering his antecedents with the current administration of Ajimobi is the most qualified for the job.
Taking turns to speak, the representatives of the 3510 ex-political office holders – Odukola Wale (maranro) from Ibadan City, Alh Ghazali Taofeek from Ibadan Outer City, Adegoke Bernard from Ibarapa zone, Ogunjobi Abel Ayodele from Oyo Zone, Mrs Ayannike Ayoola from Ogbomoso zone, Mr Ganiyu Tajudeen from Oke Ogun zone 11 and Alhaja Bukola Ajarat – assured the party of their total support should Omodewu be given the chance.
According to them, “A deputy governorship aspirant shouldn’t be a liability in terms of of mobilizing votes for the part. He or she must be grassroots person like Omodewu that has direct relationship with the people years before now
“Fielding Omodewu as the running mate to our governorship candidate, Oloye Adebayo Adelabu would mean a payback period for all of us across the 351 wards that have benefited from Omodewu’s benevolence.
“If you recommend a drug to a Fulani man he will ask whether you had experienced the type of ailment he’s suffering from. As a local government and chieftaincy matters commissioner, Omodewu was like a junior governor. He has done it before and we are very confident that he will do more.
“If truly we need continuity, then we don’t need a deputy governorship candidate that will use first three months in office for familiarisation tour to the ministries and studying of files. Let’s put a round peg into a round hole
“Adelabu/Omodewu ticket in our respective council areas will be easier than what people can imagine
“The choice of a deputy governor is beyond sectional sentiment because it is a joint ticket with the governor and such a deputy governorship candidate should stand a chance to win election across board,” they added.
