One of the aspirants contesting the governorship ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti state, Engr Kayode Ojo, has said he is desperate to govern the state because of his passion and capacity to transform the state.
The aspirant, however, vowed to match the siting Governor Biodun Oyebanji at any primary mode (Direct or indirect) adopted by the party.
Speaking with newsmen Thursday at the party’s national secretariat after he submitted his nomination forms, Engr Ojo, in a speech titled: “The Beginning of a Giant Stride”, said with him as Governor, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be secured in Ekiti State for his re-election.
According to him, the election is about a leader capable of mobilising for the President’s ongoing reforms, not someone who will alienate the people through non performance.
The governorship aspirant also warned the party not to back a candidate who will eventually lose at the general election to an opposition party.
On why he is desperate to govern Ekiti, Engr Ojo said: “In Ekiti, they call me Mr. desperate, to be honest with you, they are right because I am desperate to liberate my people and develop our state.”
Ojo said the people of Ekiti and APC members in the state desire meaningful change.
“Our agenda is clear and achievable. We will align with Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. We will unite party members, address grievances, and ensure their welfare. We will prudently utilise Ekiti’s resources to transform infrastructure, improve agriculture, education, and enhance welfare for teachers, students, civil servants, artisans, and all sectors. We will implement local government autonomy fully, develop Ado-Ekiti as a befitting state capital, and build Ekiti’s economy. We will never hand over what belongs to our party to those who do not share our progressive values.
“Our party leaders have stated that they will ensure the election of a popular candidate who can win, not someone who will struggle. I am that candidate. We enjoy the support of the majority of APC members in the state. We are confident of winning the primary and achieving a resounding victory in the general election. We seek only a level playing field from the National Executive, free of intimidation and harassment. Security operatives must ensure protection for all members as they campaign.”