Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party in Akoko-Edo local government area have disassociated themselves from a report that there would be voter apathy against the party if a replacement for former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Samuel Alli, is not from Ward 10 and a grassroots mobilizer not picked.
In a public disclaimer signed by the chairman of the party in Ward 10, Joseph Alabi, Ward’s party leader, Hon. Bayo Ogedengbe, and the councillor from the ward, Hon. Jacob Tope, addressed to Governor Godwin Obaseki, the people said: “The publication ‘has certainly raised some eyebrows among the concerned stakeholders and Leaders of PDP in Ward 10, Ososo, Akoko-Edo LGA.'”
The statement added: “The call that Solomon Taiwo be appointed to replace Dr. Alli was nothing short of a farce… At no time did such meeting took place in favour of an SSA who doesn’t reside in the Ward… It is evident that this entire narrative is a fabrication designed to deceive the public and manipulate the governor into making a hasty decision.”
The leaders further stated: “There was no such meeting where Taiwo was recommended, and it is preposterous to suggest that he is the most suitable candidate for such a crucial role… The idea that Taiwo is a grassroots mobilizer with the ability to rally support for the party is laughable at best as all previous results from his polling unit speaks otherwise.”
They urged Governor Obaseki to “see through this charade and disregard the misleading information being peddled by political jobbers… Making a decision based on such falsehoods could have serious repercussions for the party at this critical juncture of the election campaign.”
The statement concluded: “Our Confidence is hinged as much on your track record from the table of your zoning arrangements as on other qualities that been driving you in your political career… Your stance against marginalization and defense of it is a shining national example which we urge other governors to emulate… Akoko Edo people and Ososo in general are not ungrateful people, we will appreciate you through the ballot by voting massively for Dr. Asue Ighodalo and Barrister Osarodion Ogie… The fear of voter apathy in Ward 10, Ososo and Akoko Edo should be neglected.”