Kunle Adelabu
-Says Party is supreme
The immediate past Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development, Lagos State, and an aspirant for the vacant Lagos East Senatorial seat, Prince Rotimi Ogunleye, has toed the path of other aspirants in opting out of the race for the coveted position.
The lawyer cum politician, who is aspiring for the position on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), renounced his aspiration for the seat the same way two other aspirants from Ikorodu, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, Vice Chairman, APC Lagos East and Otunba Ganiyu Abiru, former Clerk/Permanent Secretary, Lagos State House of Assembly, withdrew from the race on Monday, August 17, 2020.
It was gathered that the party is gunning for a consensus candidate and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Polaris Bank, Mr Adetokunbo Abiru, is said to be favoured by the party as its candidate in the bye-election slated for October 3.
In a release signed by the former Commissioner, he endorsed the candidacy of Mr Abiru whom he described as a friend and professional, for the Senatorial position.
“It is a truism that in party politics, the party is supreme. Therefore, individual aspirations tend to be controlled, subdued and indeed submerged by party’s supremacy for the common good”, he said.
Why stating that he joined the race because of knowledge and interaction with every part of the Senatorial District, Prince Ogunleye added that he cannot continue the pursuit of his aspiration because of the party’s interest.
“When I started my bid to represent the Lagos East Senatorial Zone at the Upper Chamber, it was with a vision to make a big difference based on my interactions and contacts throughout the five local governments and 11 LCDAs and wards in the Lagos East District. But the party has decided.
“I humbly bow to the party’s supremacy and its powers and wisdom. I thank our very dear leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the GAC leaders and the top echelon of our party in the state”, he declared.
“My happiness is that the coveted ticket goes to a very dear brother in whom I am well pleased, ‘oluku mi’, a gentleman, a professional and a great achiever, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru. I warmly congratulate him and wish him success in the election”, Ogunleye said while declaring his support for Abiru.
He thanked individuals and groups within and outside the party who identified with his aspiration.
Ogunleye also charged party men and women to work for the APC and ensure that Abiru emerge victorious at the poll.
“I thank the numerous personalities and groups within and outside the party, friends in the public and the private sectors and well-wishers across the entire Lagos East landscape. Those who made private calls, chats and comments in various media, I say thanks to all of you.
“And now, ‘iseya’ (it’s time to work). Let’s put our hands to the plough, rally round our own Abiru to win the election and set this blessed Senatorial District on a velocity that it deserves. I pledge my full support.
“God bless our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), God bless our dear Lagos State and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
