Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday, officially declared his intention to seek re-election in 2023 on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he remains undaunted and resolutely committed to achieve more for the state.
Abiodun made the declaration at the Executive Council Chambers of his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, when he received the APC nomination form bought for him by his kinsmen under the aegis of the DA Mandate 2023.
He also immediately announced the re-nomination of his deputy, Engr. (Mrs.) Noimot Salako-Oyedele, as his running mate for the gubernatorial election.
The governor’s declaration came amid the controversy trailing a petition to the APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, seeking his disqualification over allegations that he was once arrested and jailed for committing criminal offences in the United States of America.
But Abiodun, through his lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN) from the Afe Babalola & Co Chambers, debunked the allegations against him, urging the APC leadership to disregard petition “as it is fraught with falsehood, speculation and inaccuracies.”
Speaking after his nomination form was presented to him, Abiodun recalled how the journey began four years ago when he called out people of the state to join him in a journey of selfless service to build a secure and prosperous state driven by a vibrant economy and supported by quality service, equity and justice.
The governor said it was gratifying that the people believed in him and gave their support.
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Abiodun recounted the many trials he and his team had to pass through in the quest to lead the state, noting that some people did everything to discourage him while “many people did not believe in us.”
He said: “This gesture touches my bone. It is like a balm that sooth all the pain that we suffered in the course of our campaigns. I am happy particularly that this is coming from my home base.
“We were planning on how to go to Abuja to get the form. I am happy that nobody prompted you, you did this out of your own volition and the belief you have in us. I promise you that the trust you have in us will be built upon.
“Today is a significant day in my life and because of this gesture, I am officially declaring my intention to run for the second term and in the same vein, I am declaring my deputy as my running mate. You are investing in an administration and I want to assure you that you will not regret, as the only way I can reward you is by more superlative performance.”
The governor submitted that his administration had made significant impact in the lives of the people, noting that the gesture would inspire him to do more.
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He added: “In the last three years, I have fulfilled my promises to you to make Ogun work for all. With your support, we have made this (Ogun) State a better place and changed the face of our state. I did not do it alone; we did it together, because you believed.
“Our state has remained steadily prosperous because of your positive outlook. I urge you to always stay positive in your personal and communal lives and continue to aspire to great things.”
Abiodun congratulated the executive members and all other members of his team who have worked tirelessly in the last three years, noting that “they are the stars of this administration”.
Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters and leader of the group, Biyi Adeleye, said the performance of the governor and the desire to see him complete his good works informed the purchase of the nomination form.
Adeleye, who debunked insinuations that the governor does not have a platform, said the aim of the group is for second term and beyond, explaining that members of the group are from the three Local Government Areas of Sagamu, Ikenne and Remo North that make up the Remo Zone.
“We taxed ourselves to raise the fund for the form as a result of the confidence we have in the capacity of our brother and boss, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to lead the state to greater heights,” he added.
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