The Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, has said that he would never take the decision of the leadership of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ekiti State to return him back to Senate through an unopposed party ticket for granted.

Senator Bamidele in a statement issued by his media office after he was screened by the APC Senatorial Screening Panel in Abuja on Sunday pledged to do everything humanly possible to ensure that the party emerged victorious at the forthcoming June 18 governorship election in the state.

Bamidele, who doubles as Chairman of Southern Senators Forum of the 9th Assembly, commended the Screening Committee for proper organisation and conduct of the screening process.

Speaking on his unopposed aspiration in Ekiti Central Senatorial District, he said: “I do not take it for granted that I am being returned unopposed as the flagbearer of our party in the 2023 Ekiti Central Senatorial elections.

“It means so much to me, I am grateful to the leadership of APC in Ekiti State and grateful to the leadership of the party at the national level. I am also grateful to the people of Ekiti Central Senatorial District for this honour. I don’t take it for granted at all.

Buhari demonstrating political will to fight terrorism, graft – Bamidele

“That no one is running against me in this race for the ticket of the party is an endorsement of my humble efforts in ensuring effective representation in the Senate in the last three years. It is also an acknowledgment by the leadership of the party and members of the party that I could be entrusted with the position of an elected representative of the people and one of the leaders of our people in this tough time.

“It is not that we don’t have equally qualified people or eligible people who can obtain the form. But the fact that this has not happened and the leadership of the party has done so much to ensure that I am given a smooth ride to be the candidate of the party is, to me, a sincere and profound effort and from whom to whom much is given, much is also expected.

“It is a call to further and greater duty. I will do everything possible to ensure the unity of the party through meaningful reconciliation where it is still necessary to do so and to ensure to drive a process in which there will be integrity and mutual trust.”

President Muhammadu Buhari and Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele in handshake, while President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan looks on. Thursday May 12, 2022On Ekiti governorship election, he said: “Going back home, we have an immediate assignment, which is to go and campaign thoroughly and vigorously to ensure the victory of our party in the June 18 Governorship Election in Ekiti. I believe that is the next assignment I am looking forward to and I will put in my best in this regard by the Grace of God.”

The Star