House of Representatives hopeful in Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, Sadiq Obanoyen has assured his followers that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will clinch the ticket in the February 16 election.
Obanoyen officially kicked off his campaign with house-to-house visits in the two local government areas after the Federal High Court of Nigeria, sitting in Akure ruled that he is the duly elected candidate of the PDP in the primaries.
The PDP had declared Hon. Bode Ayorinde, the incumbent, who lost 73 to Obanoyen’s 105 at the primary in October. But Obanoyen challenged the blantant theft of the people’s mandate in court and got judgement on January 22.
“It has been real battle in court and on the streets of Owo and Ose,” Obanoyen said. “It was a sweet victory at the primary but before I got to Abuja, PDP had already forwarded Ayorinde’s name to INEC. But it is over now and our campaign trail is on the move.”
Obanoyen promises to give the people of Owo/Ose Federal Constituency quality representation at the House of Representatives and will ensure that the dividends of democracy get to his people which he accused Hon Ayorinde of not doing in the last four years he has been in the House.
“I am a grassroots person so I understands the yearnings and aspirations of our people,” he said. “That is why I am going to the House. They must have a voice rather than go there to warm the bench.”
Pitted against the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate in the same constituency that produces the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Arakunri Rotimi Akeredolu could be an herculean task for any other party in the area. But Obanoyen waves this assertion with the back of his hand saying: “This is not a battle of political parties. Rather, it is one for merit and the antecedence of the candidates.
“Have our people gained anything from the APC even at the state level? The answer is capital NO. The governor weilds certain degree of influence but I am on the move telling my people the only choice is Sadiq Obanoyen. And I am quite happy with their response.
“From Afo to Imeri, Idogun to Idoani, Owani to Ute and Ifon to Ikaro, Elegbeka, the reception has been awesome. With a high level of modesty, I can say that I am the candidate to beat in Owo/Ose Federal Constituency.”
