The Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State has kicked against the endorsement of the state Governor, Dapo Abiodun, by some loyalists of the late Senator Buruji Kashamu.
The group led by Ola Kukoyi popularly called Kosigiri and Wasiu Ajadi on Sunday gathered the members across the 20 local government areas of the state and announced Abiodun as its choice for the governorship election.
Addressing the gathering during the political rally held in Abeokuta for Abiodun’s second term, Kukoyi said the decision to dump the PDP governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, for Abiodun was due to the plethoral legal crisis ravaging the party
He said, “We have decided amongst ourselves and resolved that the only way is to go to back Dapo Abiodun.
“We had earlier chosen Jimi Lawal as the governorship candidate. But, the party is full of legal matters, we have over 100 legal matters.
“We have been doing opposition for 16 years.
“Plane has never landed in the state since its creation, but, last week three planes landed in Ogun State.
“We decided to stay with someone who loves the state. The Joshua of our time is Dapo Abiodun.
But, when contacted for a reaction, the media aide to Adebutu, Afolabi Orekoya, described the Adebutu loyalists as APC members in the PDP.
Orekoya said, “We have been inundated with calls on the indirect endorsement of Jimi Lawal for Governor Dapo Abiodun by members of Ola Kukoyi, Fasiu Ajadi, and others on Sunday at an event in Ake, Abeokuta.
“A question that should be asked is how many times will these same people claim defection to APC, they have been known as APC members for over five months, this is not new anymore.
“Many of them were suspended and expelled for anti-party activities and other violation offenses over five months ago.
“We remain resolute and determined to send Dapo Abiodun packing in the next Saturday’s election and no amount of procured endorsements would stop Abiodun’s defeat.
“He has shown a lack of capacity to govern a sophisticated state like Ogun and we can’t entrust their future in his hands for another four years.
“With God and the electorate on our side, we shall be victorious and Ogun State shall be great again”
Abiodun while speaking at the event, expressed appreciation to the group and promised to make them happy.
The governor who was accompanied to the event by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, former speaker House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, and others begged them to vote for him during the governorship election
He said, “I am shocked with what I saw today. I want to promise you that how I got to Oke-Mosan is by the grace of God.
“God showed that He remains God. I remind myself every day that God made me governor of the state.
“God used you to make me governor. I will do what the people want. I will appreciate what the people do to make me governor. I will never forget you after the election.
“I will not disappoint you. I will not be ungrateful.”
