The senatorial ambition of Dr. Yunus Akintunde to represent Oyo central gained more momentum penultimate week as a two-term former national president of the National Association of Oyo Students, NAOS, Akinkunmi Ajisafe mobilized community leaders in their Pakoyi family compound of Oyo west local government.
At the event which was witnessed by political and religious leaders, saw Ajisafe, a civil engineer, explaining the importance of having the former commissioner as the lawmaker to represent them.
According to him, “It’s not because Dr. Yunus Akintunde is my uncle, he is more than capable. He is the only one I can vouch for out of those contesting. And I believe he would not only represent us well, he will bring dividend of democracy.
”So let’s support him. Let’s tell our friends about him. He is our pride. And we will do everything that is necessary to ensure he succeeds at the poll,” the University of Ibadan graduate explained.
He also spoke about the need to support the re-election of Akeem Adeyemi as representative of Oyo federal constituency for another term.
Both Akintunde and Adeyemi are members of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Also speaking, a top chieftain of the APC and philanthropist, Idris Adeoye, commended Ajisafe for the support, adding that Oyo community would be proud of people like the young engineer.
He added that people, especially young should emulate Ajisafe for placing merit over any other considerations.
Adeoye said with Akintunde, the people of the senatorial district stand to gain a lot as the former commissioner has what it takes to facilitate development to the 11 local government areas.
He also urged support for Skimeh’s re-election bid, saying that going for another term would make him a ranking member and allow his influence to be fully deployed for the developmental purposes in the federal constituency.
Political, religion and community leaders who took turns to speak said the duo are fit for the tasks ahead, adding that they are people of proven characters.
Akintunde, who spoke shortly after thanked Ajisafe and others who have come to show support, explaining that he won’t betray the confidence reposed in him.
He added that he would continue to use his connection for the upliftment of the masses, adding that “I have facilitated streetlights to a number of places, more than 500 posts of streetlight across the state. It is a Federal Government project. I have facilitated the construction and renovation of blocks of classrooms in about 11 schools with boreholes and toilets provided and so on. This is part of what is prompting me to go to the Senate. If I can do all these using my name as a credible brand to achieve it, imagine the scale of what I will be able to do if I have political power in an elective position. Allah is my witness. I have never had economic consideration for political offices. What do I want? How much will I spend to eat? You can work and earn your salary and there will be dignity in it. If anybody knocks on my door, I will give what I have. I have the vision of serving so I will be able to do more for the people.”
He also said his party’s governorship candidate, Teslim Folarin, would unseat the incumbent Seyi Makinde in the 2023 election.