Ekiti 2022: APC Aspirant From South Senatorial Zone Withdraws From Race, Cites Party Unity

By Ayodele Oni

A twist is being added to the Governorship aspiration of Ekiti South Senatorial District as one of the aspirants from the area, on Monday, announced his withdrawal from the Governorship race.

Mr Makinde Araoye, from Ilawe, Ekiti, said in a statement he personally signed that his withdrawal was to further strengthen the unity within the ruling All Progressive Congress, (APC) in the state.

This is coming few hours after the legal icon, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, accused politicians from South Senatorial District of disunity, which has robbed them of the Governorship ticket for 25 years.

Mr Araoye stated that he was withdrawing his participation in the Gubernatorial contest in the overall interest of unity and the continuity of his party, the APC in the State.

The statement added that “Further to consultations with major stakeholders in Ekiti State, I am announcing my withdrawal from the Gubernatorial race of our dear state.

“This sacrifice, though against what we planned, is very sacrosanct at this juncture, in the overall interest of peace, cohesion, and unity in our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti state. I have clearly heard, and ceded to the voices of the leadership of our party in Ekiti-State.

“As you know, my ambition has never been about my personal gain, but to try to lead efforts to bring about ‘freedom for all, and life more abundant’ for the good people of Ekiti State as propounded by our late sage, Obafemi Awolowo, and as demonstrated by our leaders, their Excellencies: Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

“My ambition was borne out of my conviction in the doctrine of fairness and equity and in line with the globally recognized transition trend of injecting new ideas and generational shift in governance.

“In reaching this landmark decision, I am guided by history and my values as an Omoluabi. When the story of my journey in politics and governance is told, it would be one of courage of conviction, but also one of humility, unalloyed loyalty, submission, and love for the collective good.

“I am most grateful to my lovely wife, Alimah, my dear family, friends, and political associates, who believe in, and have wholeheartedly supported our collective aspiration to serve Ekiti State.

“I recognize and appreciate the courage and vision of the network of young Ekiti professionals, Ekiti youths and students, political leaders, senior citizens, and my media team for their unalloyed support so far.

“I recognise that I embody a collective aspiration beyond myself, and I appeal that you please rest assured that the will of God will prevail now and in the future.

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it, because it will surely come.”

It was, however, gathered that the aspirant is withdrawing following pressure from the sponsors of the perceived candidate of incumbent Governor Fayemi, the former Secretary to the state government, Mr Biodun Oyebanji.