The executive chairman of Oluyole local government, Asiwaju Akeem Olatunji, has called on voters in Ibadan North Federal Constituency not to trade away long-term benefits of federal presence for short-term financial inducements in the forthcoming August 16 by-election.
Olatunji, who made the appeal on Wednesday in Ibadan during a wardrobe ward rally of the party, said the constituency stands to gain significantly by electing the PDP candidate, Hon. Fola Oyekunle, popularly known as DonDeal.
He noted that the party enjoys a strong relationship with the state government under Governor Seyi Makinde and could not afford to lose such connection in order for the constituency to continue to enjoy trickle down effects of good governance in the state.
He warned that succumbing to token stipends from opposition parties could hinder the area from attracting key federal projects and programmes that would improve infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and a strong voice at the National Assembly.
“We cannot afford to mortgage our future for peanuts. The PDP government in Oyo State has shown clear commitment to development, and having a PDP representative at the federal level will only multiply these gains for Ibadan North,” Olatunji stated.
The former PDP spokesman in Oyo state urged Ibadan North federal constituents to turn out en masse on election day (Saturday) and vote for Oyekunle, whom he described as a “tested and trusted grassroots politician” with a track record of legislative experience at the state House of Assembly.
The Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, August 16, following the demise of Hon. Olaide Akinremi, who represented the area until his passing in July.