The Commissioner for Finance in Osun state, Bola Oyebamiji has announced his withdrawal from the 2018 governorship race in the state.
In a statement he made available on Friday, Oyebamiji whose kinmen bought intention form for, said he decided to make the u-turn in order to allow “peace” to reign in the ruling All Progressives Congress, the party he floated his ambition.
“This decision is coming on the premise of my desire to see a united APC in Osun after July 19th Primary election and a stronger and cohesive party at the September 22 governorship election,” he said.
The statement reads in full:
Dear Compatriots,
I consider it very imperative to address you my associates, friends and members of our great party; All Progressives Congress (APC) as touching issues surrounding my involvement in the 2018 gubernatorial race on the platform of our great party.
To the keen watchers of unfolding political events, this will be my first official public statement since the leaders of my town including traditional institutions, political associates, friends and those individuals who believe in my capacity to run effectively for the exalted seat of the Governor of our dear state made an unprecedented efforts in the history of Nigeria’s polity by raising over One Million Naira (#1,000,000.00) among themselves without my knowledge and proceeded to obtain an intention form at our party secretariat in Osogbo.
As a human being, when I heard about their action and the extent they had gone by paying the required fee to the leadership of our party in the state, I was caught between happiness and sadness. I was sad because I have committed myself to a worthy course of same magnitude; a course I completely believe in regardless of political, social or religious colouration. Not only that, I am also one of the front allies of that course and structure which is geared towards actualizing the Osun of our dreams. At first, I knew that the script of betrayal will be perfectly perceived and acted once I decided to yield to the call of my friends and supporters who felt I should compete for the highest political seat in the state.
On the other hand I was happy and felt fulfilled as a person that there were tons of people out there who not only dare all odds but also sacrifice their comfort and resources for me without expecting any corresponding benefits. For days, I was weighing my options; I consulted my creator, immediate family and those whose opinions matter in my political, social and religious life and concluded that there comes a time in the life of every man to fall for something or nothing; on this occasion; I willingly chose to fall for loyalty, trust, integrity and sound reasoning.
Dear friends and supporters, ever since the news of my purported aspiration broke, I have been very careful and mindful of my approaches to political issues and gathering so as not to heighten the already charged political environment within our party. Despite my silence and non-involvement in any political activities in the face of humongous pressure from every corner, thousands of people including young and old from the three senatorial districts of our state volunteered themselves as canvasers and mobilizers to woo party loyalists and general public to support my supposed candidature. This reality quite negates the image people erroneously attached to our youths that money determines their loyalty in politics. I therefore considered it a matter of pride and privilege to receive the support of various political, social, professional and religious leaders both home and abroad.
However, I have considered all factors surrounding the competition for the ticket of our great party in the forthcoming gubernatorial election and decided to isolate myself from the contest against the growing agitation for my involvement but rather remain committed to a course I considered worthy for the collective good of our dear state. This decision is coming on the premise of my desire to see a united APC in Osun after July 19th Primary election and a stronger and cohesive party at the September 22 governorship election.
In view of this, I deeply regret any inconvenience my decision might bring to every individual or groups who out of their own volition decided to promote my name and what I represent without any prompt; I am extremely grateful and feel honoured for the social capital and premium you all invested in me.
In the meantime, I have decided to rally support for my party the APC to ensure the defense of its current position as the ruling party in Osun in order to sustain the current developmental strides of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. This is what we must all do in good faith in order to consolidate the unprecedented achievements of the outgoing government bearing in mind that God gives power to whom He pleases and above all, the WILL of Almighty Allah must be fulfilled.
Thank you and God bless.
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