The Secretary to Oyo State Government, Alhaji Olalekan Alli, on Tuesday declares his intention to join the gubernatorial race, saying his desire to govern the state was hinged on building on the achievements of Gov. Abiola Ajimobi.
Alli stated this in Ibadan while declaring his interest to contest the governorship election on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).
Alli is the thirteenth aspirant to have signified interest to contest the 2019 election on the platform of APC.
Alli, who arrived the secretariat alongside hundreds of his supporters, took off from his family house located at Yemetu area of the state where he had gone to pay homage.
Among the 13 aspirants who have signified interest are Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Dr Olusola Ayandele, Sen. Abdulfatai Buhari, Mr Adebayo Shittu, Dr Azeez Adeduntan and Mr Isaac Omodewu.
Others are Mr Soji Eniade, Mr Joseph Tegbe, Prof. Soji Adejumo, Mr Fatai Abimbola, as well as the Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Adeyemo, and former Gov. Adebayo Alao-Akala.
Alli stated that his knowledge and modest participation in the rebuilding efforts of the Ajimobi-led administration ignited his interest in ensuring continuity of the developmental agenda.
“My interest in the Oyo State governorship project is to build on the repositioning of agriculture as the basis of our industrialisation as well as enhancing the fortunes of our education.
“It is also to build on the repositioning of health, human capital, industry, commerce, youth development, sports redevelopment, engagement and empowerment of women as well as other strategic potentials across the state,” he said.
He said that the vision of a 25-year organic development master-plan initiated by Ajimobi was unprecedented, adding such plan required execution rooted upon transparency, commitment and professionalism.
According to him, Ajimobi has passionately implemented his vision couched in the restoration, transformation and repositioning agenda.
“The unprecedented developmental strides recorded by the Ajimobi-led administration in the last seven years have raised the bar of good governance in state.
“Ours now is to sustain his good work and continue the next phase of the state’s socio-economic master-plan,” he said.
Alli also noted that the APC ideology had provided the most proficient platform capable of transforming the nation, adding this would continue to ensure Nigeria attained required global recognition befitting of its size and status.
He debunked speculations that Ajimobi had an anointed candidate, saying the governor had assured all aspirants of level playing ground.
The APC Chairman in the state, Chief Akin Oke, welcomed the interest shown by Alli in the governorship seat.
Oke, who stated that 13 members had signified interest in the governorship position on the party’s platform, gave an assurance of a level playing ground.
Alli, who hails from Oja-Oba area of Ibadan, succeeded Alhaji Waheed Olajide as the Secretary to the State Government toward the end of Ajimobi’s first term.
