The governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in Oyo State, Michael Lana, has stepped down from the race and endorsed the candidacy of the state governor, Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party.
He made his position known on Tuesday at a press conference, which was held at Iyaganku Quarters in Ibadan, the state capital.
Lana explained that he had consulted widely before stepping down to support the incumbent governor and the decision was taken alongside the House of Assembly candidates.
He said, “During my radio interview recently, I duly informed the members of the public that whatever step I would take would be determined by the decision of all candidates, especially the House of Assembly candidates of the SDP of which I am the governorship flagbearer.
“We have also consulted widely. We have talked with some national officers of the party and my supporters among the trade unions, traditional rulers, market associations and religious bodies.
“As you are aware, in almost all radio interviews I attended, I was asked whether, as it had become the habit of this party, I too would step down at the end of the day. Believing I was in the midst of ideologically sound members, and knowing myself as a principled person, I always answered in the negative. I believed fervently that my gospel of preaching issues and ideas would earn me the victory that the people of the state deserve.”
Lana pointed out that events of the past few weeks had proved him wrong as some party chieftains believed only in money politics and victory by vote-buying.
He lamented that some of those at the helm of affairs of the party in the state had sold them out for a pittance and declared for the opposition without their knowledge or consent.
“We had to sit down and rethink and take a decision that will be in the best interest of the neglected and aggrieved party members, the candidates and the generality of the people of the state that we set out to serve. After several consultations, we resolved that the best thing for the state right now is to align ourselves with a really progressive candidate.
“We have, therefore, resolved to inform all our teeming supporters to vote massively for Makinde of the PDP on Saturday, March 18, 2023 and get him (re)elected as governor of the state.”
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