BY ABIODUN NEJO
All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and former member of the House of Representatives, Hon Opeyemi Bamidele, has said that his senatorial bid is being endorsed by people of his Ekiti Central Senatorial District because he had made sacrifices for the party.
Beside, Bamidele said his constituents were convinced of his ability to deliver based on his track record of achievement while in the House of Representatives and other areas of endeavour.
The former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State, spoke to The Crest on Monday during a tour of communities in Ekiti West and Efon local government areas where he was endorsed for Senate by local party leaders. Adding up everything, however, Bamidele said his senatorial ambition was not a do-or-die affair.
He maintained that his decision to join the race was based on the conviction that he can deliver democratic dividends to the people of the district.
He said: “Let me thank the people of Ekiti West and Efon for their love,” Bamidele began. “In 2010 when I was vying for the Senate, I came here and you voted for me in our primary. But our leaders said I should step down for another candidate in the spirit of unity, which I gleefully obliged.
“Now, our party leaders, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, and Dr Kayode Fayemi inclusive, have spoken with one voice. They had made consultations and gave Ekiti South Senatorial ticket to Prince Dayo Adeyeye and the Central to me to appreciate our contributions.
“The consensus arrangements made other contestants in all the five local governments to step down, but only one person, Senator Fatimat Raji-Rasaki refused. Mrs Rasaki joined this party on July 9, 2018, few days to the governorship election.
“I harbour no hatred against her, she is also a party woman. If all of you are ready to support me, what else could I do? They stopped me from going to the Senate in 2011, but I want to assure you, that won’t happen this time. Be resolute in your supports for me and victory shall be ours in the end.”
APC leaders, who endorsed Bamidele in Erijiyan, Ikogosi, Ipole-Iloro and Efon Alaaye, described him as the “best candidate to represent them district at the Senate.”
The party chieftains said Bamidele remained one of the most loyal party men, who had contributed to the sustenance of the progressive politics since 1999.
