SDP members in Osun Central endorse Basiru

The senatorial ambition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Osun Central zone, Dr Ajibola Basiru, received a boost as members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Odo-Otin Local Government have endorsed him as their candidate for the February 16 election.

Basiru whose campaign team toured the local government was warmly received by the traditional rulers and APC members in all the communities visited.

The Ajibola Basiru Campaign Organisation (ABCO) was received by the traditional ruler of Asi-Asaba, Oba Isaac Oyewale Olasunkanmi in his palace along with his chiefs; market women and artisans were also in attendance. The monarch recalled that the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice played a critical role during the kingship crisis in the community.

Olasunkanmi said: “I will support a credible candidate and you (Basiru) you are one. I and my subjects have decided to vote for you. I pray that you will win the senatorial election and offer us quality representation at the red chamber.”

Thereafter, APC candidate received hundreds of SDP members in Wards 9 and 14 in Asi-Asaba who declared their support for his candidacy. The SDP chairman in Ward 9, Mr Joseph Adeyemi expressed happiness over the merger of the party structures with APC in Osun State. To him, this would boost the APC fortunes in all elections in Osun State. He said the SDP members have embarked on a house-to-house campaign for Basiru and other APC candidates.

In his response, Basiru appreciated the goodwill of the traditional ruler and people of Asi-Asaba and promised to resuscitate the community’s health centre which is in a deplorable condition.

At the palace of Oloyan of Oyan, Oba Kilani Adekeye Oyedare commended the humility of the APC senatorial candidate. He described Basiru as a politician with great virtues. The traditional ruler recalled Basiru’s efforts towards the electrification of some neighbouring communities in Oyan.

Oyedare said Oyan has always been progressive since the era of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He assured Basiru that his people would vote for him. The APC candidate thanked the Oba and his subjects for the good gesture and promised them vibrant representation if elected as senator. Thereafter, Basiru received hundreds of SDP members who formerly declared for APC. They promised to vote for him.

Similarly at Ijabe, Basiru was given a warm reception at the palace of Oba Felix Oyeniyi with his chiefs in attendance. The APC candidate for Odo-Otin State Constituency, Mr Adeyinka Adetoyi urged the people to vote for the part in order to attract development for the community.

The campaign train also moved to Igbotelele, Alapataand Ilaodo communities where party supporters, Fulani community and other well wishers trooped out to declare support for the APC senatorial candidate.

Addressing the crowd, Basiru congratulated them for their progressive stance despite intimidation from the opposition. He told them to reject vote buyers who only come to patronise them when elections approach.

He said: “We all must be wary of politicians who come with cash to induce our youths and women when it is time for elections. These people do not have our interests at heart and they will disappear immediately elections end.”

He also educated those in attendance on how to prevent void votes which almost cost APC victory in last year’s governorship election in the state. Sample ballots were displayed and shared to further enlighten the people on how to thumb print.