Niran Oladunni rallies support for Gov Aiyedatiwa in Akoko

A former All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant in Ondo State and convener of Kalesanwa, a grassroots political pressure group, Hon. Moyosola Niran-Oladunni, has canvassed support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the forthcoming APC primary and the November gubernatorial election in the state.

The entrepreneur and Chief Promoter of Ala Resort, the first Aerotropolis in sub-Saharan Africa being developed in Akure, the Ondo State capital, urged politicians from Akoko zone of the state to close ranks and rally behind Aiyedatiwa’s governorship ambition.

Niran-Oladunni spoke during a solidarity visit to the secretariat of APC in Akoko North East local government, at Okela, in Ikare Akoko, on Thursday.

The atmosphere at party secretariat was like a funfair as party faithful across the 13 wards in the local government area, led by the party chairman, Hon Saliu Olarewaju, trooped out in their numbers to welcome Niran-Oladunni and his large entourage. 

He noted that his visit was not motivated by any personal political gain as he has no immediate intention of contesting for any office, rather, it was informed by his unwavering commitment as a servant-leader to the unity and upliftment of Akoko North federal constituency and the empowerment of all its sons and daughters. 

While commending fellow politicians from Ondo North Senatorial District for demonstrating fairness in their engagements with the other senatorial districts in the state and for their loyalty to the APC and its leadership, he advised them to continue to promote party unity and resist attempts by any group or persons to sow seeds of discord among them.

His words, "I am not here today because I am seeking any political power, but as a servant leader who is committed to uplifting, uniting and empowering every sons and daughters from this federal constituency. 

“One thing I am happy about is that since the party has agreed it is the turn of Ondo South Senatorial District to produce the next governor, no aspirant has come out from Akoko axis to contest in disregard of the agreement. This is unlike when it was the turn of Ondo North Senatorial District to produce the governor and no fewer than eight candidates came out from the South, regardless of the party’s decision to cede the governorship ticket to the North. And this is the way it has been since 1999.

“It is heartwarming to me that we in the North have demonstrated maturity by choosing not pay them back in their own coin. This has shown that we in the North are promise keepers and noble politicians. This was precisely the reason nobody has come out to vie for the governorship ticket from Akokoland.”

Niran-Oladunni also expressed dissatisfaction with the relative underdevelopment of Akoko North federal constituency despite boasting notable politicians, who are occupying key in positions both at the federal and state levels, noting that the problem could be traced to unhealthy rivarly among political leaders.

“Look at Akoko North federal constituency, we have a minister that is supervising a category ‘A’ ministry and we have a distinguished Senator from the same federal constituency.  But what do we see? Unhealthy rivalry among their supporters. If we have different groups with political leverage, shouldn’t that be for the development of our community and the people?

“It is high time our leaders sat down and discussed how our differenneces would no longer constitute a hindrance to our development. Personally, I am committed to making all necessary sacrifices towards providing solution to the problems facing us in our federal constituency.

“I believes that success is achievable if we all work together. It is on this note that I want to request everyone here today to join hands with Kalesanwa Group in your ward and unit to ensure a rancour free primary and successful outing in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State."

Shedding light on the objectives of Kalesanwa, Niran-Oladunni described it “as a duly registered grassroots socio-political organisation with a vision to become a formidable political pressure group with enormous political capital to support any potential candidate or political party that will automatically translate into success at the polls”.

Oladunni stated further that the group seeks to promote the core values of the people of Ondo State, including uprightness, selflessness, humility and service to humanity. 

He disclosed that the group is also focused on empowering young people by providing them with employment opportunities and financial assistance, adding that the group would be making online employment forms available to youths in the federal constituency in a few days time.

While rounding off his speech, Niran-Oladunni emphasised the need for all party members and supporters to throw their weight behind Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the forthcoming APC governorship primary.

“As we we are all here today, we are working for different aspirants. And that is okay. But I want to assure you that the next governor of Ondo State is Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. He is no doubt a child of destiny. He stands out among all the contestants for the governorship seat and we consider him worthy of the support of a reputable organisation like Kalesanwa. Our membership cuts across the 203 wards in the state and we have been doing extremely well in supporting Aiyedatiwa’s governorship ambition. 

“Although, we have an array of governorship aspirants who are competent and have distinguished themselves in their different callings. We also have those who have shown exceptional qualities, including consistency and unalloyed loyalty to the party. I believe it is time to allow Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to complete the good work he has been doing for the people of Ondo State. He stands tall among the aspirants. He will win the primary and by the grace of God, ultimately win the governorship election. This is the time to support him to victory," Niran-Oladunni stated.

Aside donating a huge amount of money to the party, he also promised to support with the completion of a befitting party secretariat for the APC in Akoko North East Local Government, while calling on other party members to donate towards the building project so that it can be completed on time.

Responding, the APC chairman in Akoko North East praised Niran Oladunni for his steadfastness and sincerity, adding, "he is the one that has invited us here today to deliberate on the way forward for our federal constituency. It is our prayer that we should have Akoko sons and daughters that will be involved in politics at the highest level. The only way to develop our community is for us to be in government.”

Olarewaju solicited support for Niran-Oladunni, whom he described as a man of the people, who has shown great interest in the development Akokoland.

Other party leaders who spoke at the event expressed appreciation to Niran-Oladunni for his exemplary commitment to the success of the party both at the local and state levels. 

Party leaders who attended the ceremony included, Oseni Muyideen, Vice Chairman, Akoko North East Local Government; Tosin Arowolo, General Secretary, APC, Akoko North East Local Government; Mrs Labake Lasisi, Woman Leader, APC, Akoko North East Local Government; Chairman of all chairmen, Olarewaju Kaseem; High Chief Ofua of Ikare land, who represented all traditional Chiefs, Mr Delac, all the local government party exco, youth leaders, all party secretaries in Ondo North Senatorial District, the State PRO of Kalesanwa Group,  Hon. Abiola Tairu Amuda, and members of Kalesanwa Group from across the state.